The United States on Thursday signed an agreement with Turkey at the U.S. Embassy in that country to train and equip five thousand moderate Syrian opposition forces.
Qatar, Jordan and Saudi Arabia also are expected to participate in the deal, which is set to begin in March, according to a defense official quoted by NPR.
At least 1,200 troops “have already been identified,” according to Fox News. Congress has allocated $500 million for the training, which is to be hosted at one of three anticipated sites in Turkey.
Hundreds of “moderate” Syrian opposition forces have already been screened and 1,200 identified, with the program to be launched in mid-March.
Major-General Michael K. Nagata has been tapped to lead the training, according to Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby.