Trump ends CIA support for anti-Assad Syria rebels

The Trump administration has decided to halt the CIA's covert programme to equip and train certain rebel groups in Syria fighting the government of President Bashar al-Assad, two US officials said, a move sought by Assad ally Russia.

The US decision, said one of the officials, is part of an effort by the administration to improve relations with Russia, which, along with Iranian-supported groups, has largely succeeded in preserving Assad's government in the six-year civil war.

The CIA programme began in 2013 as part of efforts by the administration of then-President Barack Obama to overthrow Assad, but produced little success, said the officials, both of whom are familiar with the programme and spoke on the condition of anonymity.