US committed to Syria militants: Obama

US President Barack Obama says Washington is committed to support the militants fighting against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Obama reiterated the backing in a phone conversation with Saudi King Abdullah on Friday.

“The president emphasized the United States’ continued commitment to provide support to the Syrian Opposition Coalition and the Supreme Military Council to strengthen the opposition,” a White House statement read.

Weeks have passed since Obama ordered the CIA to provide the militants in Syria with light weapons. However, the measure has faced with strong opposition in the Congress, bringing the plan to a standstill.

A significant number of lawmakers are against any increased US involvement in Syria’s conflict and fear a slippery slope into another Middle East quagmire.

“Providing a small amount won’t be enough to change the trajectory on the battlefield, and we’ll be called upon to give more, and more sophisticated weapons. . . . I think the risk is too great that once we get in, it will be very difficult to get out,” said Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

The US has for months been providing the anti-Syria militants with training in neighboring Jordan. It has also coordinated the shipment of thousands of tons of weapons from Europe to the militants through Turkey and Jordan.