Life on the Ground in Syrian War: Arming and Training of Rebels

🔥The US has been providing covert support to moderate rebel factions in Syria, including weapons and training.

🚀The rebels have been receiving secondhand weapons and salvaging parts to make their own.

😞The rebels express frustration at the limited support they receive and the lack of training in important areas like anti-aircraft weapons.

💣The Assad regime continues to use brutal tactics like barrel bombs and chemical weapons, causing the death and displacement of countless civilians.

💔There is a growing sense among the rebels that the US doesn't want them to defeat the regime, but also doesn't want the regime to defeat them.

What kind of support does the US provide to the rebels?

—The US provides covert support, including weapons and training, to selected moderate rebel factions in Syria.

Are the rebels satisfied with the support they receive?

—No, the rebels express frustration at the limited support they receive and the lack of training in important areas like anti-aircraft weapons.

What tactics does the Assad regime use against civilians?

—The Assad regime uses brutal tactics like barrel bombs and chemical weapons, causing the death and displacement of countless civilians.

Why does the US provide limited support to the rebels?

—There is a growing sense among the rebels that the US doesn't want them to defeat the regime, but also doesn't want the regime to defeat them.

What challenges do the rebels face in their fight against the Assad regime?

—The rebels face challenges such as limited resources, lack of training in key areas, and the overwhelming firepower of the regime.

00:00[Music] journalist Muhammad Ali has been on the ground in Syria reporting for Frontline from the beginning of the Rebellion against dictator Bashar al-Assad.

08:28[Music] the rebels express frustration at the limited support they receive and the lack of training in important areas like anti-aircraft weapons.

13:42The rebels say the arms and the training they're getting are no match for the regime's tactics.

15:49Assad regime has dropped chlorine gas on a town to the South.

17:10Even though the rebels are only a short distance away, they say it's too dangerous for them to go out and help.

19:19[Music] This documentary is available on iTunes.