For Syria rebels, Trump win adds to uncertain fate

They were told the programme would continue until the end of the year, but anything more would depend on the next US administration, a rebel official at the meeting said. When Trump takes office in January, it may stop altogether. The president-elect has signalled opposition to US support for the rebels, and an overhaul of policy on Syria.

The military aid programme overseen by the Central Intelligence Agency has given arms and training to moderate rebels in coordination with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and others. 

It helped to support these rebels, fighting under the Free Syrian Army banner, as jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda emerged as a major force in a war approaching its sixth anniversary. US officials declined to comment on any meetings with rebel groups, and previously have not com-mented on the CIA programme given its covert nature. But Trump has indicated he could abandon the rebels to focus on fighting IS which control territory in Syria.