CHARRTS No.: SASC-06-055Hearing Date: March 06, 2014Committee: SASCMember: Senator LeeWitness: GEN Austin IIIQuestion: #55

Syria

Question: General Austin, we are aware that extremist groups in Syria, such as the al Nusra front, have ambitions to attack the U.S. Homeland and are also working with moderate groups that we have been supporting. I understand that the situation on the ground is fluid, but can we guarantee that the assistance we are supplying to moderates in Syria are not being used by or to the benefit of extremist groups who want to attack the United States?

Answer: No, we cannot guarantee the assistance we provide doesnt fall into the wrong hands. Undoubtedly, some weapons and funds flowing into Syria wind up in the hands of extremists such as Al Nusrah Front or the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL).

Al Nusrah Front works closely with all factions of the opposition and is often aware of logistics and humanitarian shipments into Syria. At times they even acquire and disseminate these shipments to the local populace. This, in turn, benefits Al Nusrah Front in the propaganda war.

ISIL continues to fight the opposition for territory and resources, often hijacking weapons, materiel and humanitarian aid shipments for its own use. ISIL has acquired advanced weapons and is using them in Syria, and has introduced them in the ongoing fight in Iraqs Anbar Province.