Obama signs bill to train, arm Syrian rebels

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill authorizing the military to arm and train Syrian rebels fighting the Islamic State group.

Obama signed the bill Friday in the Oval Office. The Senate gave its final approval Thursday, a day after the legislation drew strong bipartisan support in the House.

The White House says U.S. troops will train Syrian rebels at camps in Saudi Arabia. Obama has authorized airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in Syria but is relying on rebel forces to fight the group on the ground.

Obama said Thursday the legislation’s quick passage shows that Americans are united in confronting the extremist threat.

The legislation also funds the government after the end of the budget year on Sept. 30, eliminating any threat of a shutdown.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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