According to an AP report, President Barack Obama may authorize the shipment of new air defense systems to rebel forces in Syria. Citing an unnamed US official, the AP says Obama is considering the idea of sending man-portable air-defense systems, also known as MANPADs, to Syrian opposition groups by way of employing new ways to put pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and boost the opposing rebels, who have lost ground in the conflict over the last few months. The move would mark a notable shift compared to the White House's past statements.
Officials then said the US would send anti-tank rockets and humanitarian aid to the opposition, but noted MANPADs – portable missile-launchers – would not be part of the package, due to fears they could land in extremist hands and potentially be used to take down commercial airliners.
