The CIA could use drones against radical Islamists in Syria

The Monde.fr with AFP | 16.03.2013 at 9:15 • Updated 16.03.2013 at 24:11

As the conflict in Syria is entering its third year , the presence of radical Islamist militants in the Syrian rebellion growing concern within the international community. The CIA is gathering information on these radicals to liquidate later by drone strikes Islamists, and Friday, March 15 reports the Los Angeles Times. A strategy that fits into the Emergency Program of Central American intelligence agency to protect the United States and its allies planning , the newspaper said .

Islamist fighters are playing an increasing in the fight against the Syrian government forces role , says the Los Angeles Times , which has led to a renewed interest in their respect for the CIA , the newspaper added . The U.S. State Department believes that one of the most powerful Syrian opposition militias , Al- Nosra Front is a terrorist organization that is indistinguishable from the al-Qaeda organization in Iraq , says the Times.

Read (in subscribers edition) : " In Syria, the irresistible rise of the front Al- Nosra "

AGENTS " RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TARGET "

Citing current and former U.S. officials , who remain anonymous , the newspaper said that President Barack Obama has not authorized drone attacks in Syria, but the service against terrorism , the CIA are recently assigned several agents to monitor extremist militants . This service monitors the secret program of drone attacks in Pakistan and Yemen.

Agents " responsible for the target " formed a unity with their colleagues who followed the operations of al -Qaida in Iraq. Some elements of the terrorist organization believed to be knowledge, would have won Syria and joined the anti-government Islamic militia , the newspaper said .

These American officers are based in the headquarters of the CIA in Langley, in the state of Virginia , in the United States , the newspaper said . Central American , according to the Times , also maintains close links with with others active in Syria Saudi intelligence , and Jordanian .

OPTIONS TO FACE THE ESCALATION OF CONFLICT


This is one of many options considered by the CIA and the Pentagon deal with potential threats to the escalating conflict in Syria. Other plans are including the seizure and destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles available to Syria, to prevent their use for malicious purposes , the newspaper said .

Officially , the White House has only allowed the provision of food and medical aid to the rebels and neighboring countries in support of more than one million Syrian refugees . Some U.S. allies supplying arms and ammunition to the rebels. President Obama has so far opposed the idea of ​​bringing a more active , including military support to the rebels.

The question of the delivery of weapons to the rebels has continued to be discussed by the Western powers who want the end of the regime of Bashar al -Assad. Americans would form the rebels quietly while Paris and London have gone for several days , at top speed to convince its European partners. France and Britain have obtained the European Union that discussions on lifting the arms embargo on Syria, and therefore the possibility of supplying arms to the rebels , to be advanced to the 22 and 23 March.

Read: " Paris and London get a discussion within the EU on the delivery of weapons to Syrian rebels "

Read the editorial of the World: " Syria : the beginning of a western swing "