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The UK supports a range of moderates in Syria who oppose both the Assad regime and
extremism. We do not provide support to extremist groups, and the need to prevent
diversion to these groups is built into our programmes. In August 2013 we gave the
Supreme Military Council (SMC) of the Free Syrian Army escape hoods, detector paper
and nerve-agent pre-treatment tablets to protect them from chemical weapons attack.
This financial year the UK will be providing £1 million of non-lethal equipment to
the moderate armed opposition. The exact equipment will depend on the requirements
of the recipients, but could include commercially available communications equipment,
commercially available vehicles, fuel, portable generators and logistics supplies
such as clothing, rations and tents; and individual medical kits. The UK Government
also expects to make a significant contribution to the recently announced US-led programme
to train and equip the Syrian moderate armed opposition. Details of how that contribution
will be delivered are currently being scoped. We also provide support to the political
umbrella group the National Coalition. This includes advisory and strategic communications
support. The UK does not supply weapons to anybody in Syria.
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