The U.S. and the U.K. are said to have suspended the delivery of some aid into Syria following clashes among rival opposition groups.
The news comes after Islamist fighters seized warehouses belonging to the Free Syrian Army — though it's unclear at this point why they attacked. (Via RT)
What does seem clear, according to a reporter at The New York Times, is "American officials are concerned that some aid has indeed fallen into the wrong hands."
The U.K. minister in the Middle East told the BBC, "Because of what has happened overnight, it makes sense to suspend that aid."
That reportedly won't affect humanitarian aid. Instead, analysts say it could include supplies like night vision goggles, body armor and radios. (Via PBS)
Of course, the Western-backed rebels are massively underfunded compared to President Bashar al-Assad's forces. In April, the U.S. doubled its nonlethal aid to $250 million. (Via CBS)
The infighting among these various rebels groups has threatened to undermine their fight against President Bashar al-Assad.
As NPR's Deborah Amos explained, "Moderate rebel groups in Syria are becoming less influential in comparison to more radical Islamist factions."
Amid clashes among these groups, the Syrian regime's forces have made major gains in recent months — most recently in the capital city of Damascus. (Via ABC)
Turkish authorities reportedly closed the main border crossing to Syria following the reports.
