President Barack Obama has asked the US Congress to approve $US500 million to train and equip what he described as "moderate" Syrian opposition forces.
US president Barack Obama Photo: AFP
The funds would help Syrians defend against forces aligned with President Bashar al-Assad, the White House said.
The aid would also counter Islamists militants such as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), it added.
ISIS's advance in neighbouring Iraq has led some in Congress to press Mr Obama to take action, according to the BBC.
Tens of thousands of people have died and millions more have been displaced in three years of civil war in Syria, as rebels fight troops loyal to Mr Assad.
"This funding request would build on the administration's longstanding efforts to empower the moderate Syrian opposition, both civilian and armed," the White House said.
It will also "enable the Department of Defense to increase our support to vetted elements of the armed opposition".
The money will help stabilise areas under opposition control and counter terrorist threats, the White House said.
A man and a child in the northern city of Aleppo after a reported air strike by Syrian government forces. Photo: AFP
The rebels that would receive the funds will be vetted beforehand in order to alleviate concerns of equipment falling into the hands of militants hostile to the US and its allies, the White House said.
Mr Obama has been under strong pressure from some members of Congress to increase assistance in the area.
Last month Mr Obama hinted at increased help for the Syrian opposition in a speech at the military academy at West Point.
