WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Pentagon cancelled the first iteration of the training program in October after failing to train more than a handful of local fighters that were ultimately ineffective against the terrorist group.
"We’ve moved away from last year’s disappointments with the former approach to the [Section 1209 train-and-equip] program, and we need your support to fully overcome them, focus on the program as it is now and, in particular, release the $349 million in 1209 funding currently blocked by Congress," Carter testified.
Earlier this week, President Barack Obama ordered 250 additional special operations forces to move to Syria to engage in a non-combat role. The Pentagon said that the additional forces will be providing support to the regional forces engaged in the fight against Daesh.