US pledges $15 million to help Syria’s opposition govern

Fund is in addition to over $1 billion in humanitarian aid that the US has already provided

By Bradley Klapper 13 August 2013, 4:57 am

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Buildings damaged during battles between Syrian government forces and rebels, in Aleppo, Syria, seen earlier this month (photo credit: AP/Aleppo Media Center AMC)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The US is providing $15 million to an international fund to help Syria’s opposition govern territory under its control.

The Obama administration says the money will finance reconstruction and provide civilians with water, energy, food and health care.

The administration informed Congress of its intentions Aug. 6. The Associated Press obtained the notification Monday. Germany and the United Arab Emirates have pledged support; the US expects the total fund to surpass $130 million.

The fund is separate from lethal aid Washington has authorized for Syria’s rebels and $1 billion in humanitarian aid it has given throughout the two-year conflict. More than 100,000 have died amid fighting between rebels and Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime.

For its contribution, the administration took the money from law enforcement funds originally allocated for Pakistan.