US to train 5,000 Syrian rebels to fight Islamic State militants

The United States will train 5,000 Syrian rebels every year to fight Islamic State (IS) militants, said the Pentagon.

The announcement came with regard to President Barack Obama's new campaign against the IS fighters, reported the Washington Times

The goal that U.S. military planners expected to achieve includes equipping the Syrian rebels in foreign countries in another one year.

Saudi Arabia has already agreed to play a key role in Obama's strategy to counter terrorism in Iraq and Syria.

Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said that with a partner in the Middle East they can train more than 5,000 fighters over one year.