Syrian Rebel Spokesman Decries U.S., UK Aid Decision

A spokesman for Syria's main Western-backed rebel group has criticized the decision by the United States and Britain to suspend nonlethal aid to opposition fighters in northern Syria.

The U.S.-British decision reflected Western fears of the growing strength of al-Qaida-linked forces among the rebels. It came after some of the aid was seized by Islamic militants.

The rebel spokesman, Louay Muqdad, said Thursday that Free Syrian Army commanders would contact U.S. and British officials to clear up the "misunderstanding."

He said he hoped the decision would be reconsidered because it would impact negatively on the Syrian people, not just the rebel FSA.

Wednesday's suspension was another blow to the rebels amid diminished international support for their struggle and recent losses on the battlefield against President Bashar Assad's troops.