Senior administration officials in Washington say the program to train and equip groups of Syrian rebels has not been cancelled, as recent media reports suggest, but rather "paused."
They say the program is undergoing a stage of adaptation, as officials re-evaluate the changing conditions on the ground in the fight against the Islamic state group.
Administration representatives said rebel fighters who have already completed the program will continue to receive support, and the US military will carry on working closely with local groups in the fight against ISIS.
Critics say the half-a-billion dollar train and equip program never came close to achieving its goals and suffered from well-publicized setbacks.
Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Christine Wormuth says the program is only temporarily halted.
IN: "We've had..."
OUT: "...operational pause."
DUR: 24 seconds
(ALT)
Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for the Coalition to Counter ISIL Brett McGurk says the situation is complex.
IN: "This is..."
OUT: "...can be"
DUR: 21 seconds
(ALT)
Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for the Coalition to Counter ISIL Brett McGurk says the US needs to be adaptable.
IN: "We need..."
OUT: "...six months"
DUR: 23 seconds
