The United States and some Arab countries have been secretly supporting opposition rebels with millions of dollars and non-lethal aid to take down Al Qaeda’s most extreme wing in Syria, according to diplomats and rebels involved in the scheme.

 

Western leaders are publicly encouraging the Syrian regime and the rebels to meet at the Geneva II peace conference that begins January 22. But the United States, along with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are working with rebel commanders to target al-Qaeda strongholds.

 

A source said the U.S. did not supply arms directly, but has been providing $2 million every month to be divided among rebel groups friendly to Washington. 

 

Reach Executive Producer Anne Artley here