Kerry says US to give $123 million military aid package to Syrian rebels

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday the United States would provide opposition forces in Syria with an additional $123 million in non-lethal assistance.

Kerry made the announcement in a statement issued after a meeting in Istanbul of the Syrian opposition and their international backers.

He says Syrian opposition, foreign backers agree all future aid to rebels to be channelled through opposition's Supreme Military Command.

The US$123 million defense aid package includes body armor, armored vehicles, advanced communication equipment and night vision goggles.

“We want to see the coalition lead the way by ramping up its ability in order to be able to provide assistance, deliver services and respond to the needs of the Syrian people,” Kerry said.