From another thread here…
https:// wikileaks.org/hackingteam/emails/emailid/178175
Americans for three years refused to approve the proposed Saudi transfer of antiaircraft artillery and other heavy weapons to rebels, citing the presence in insurgent ranks of al Qaeda-influenced fighters who could get their hands on the arms. Saudi officials have complained bitterly about the U.S. constraintsThe Saudis now plan to provide rebels with shoulder-fired missiles, or manpads, that can bring down jets and antitank missiles, an Arab diplomat and several opposition figures said recently. If the transfer takes place, it would be the first time rebels have such powerful weapons in any significant quantity.The Saudis persuaded the CIA to pay salaries to some fighters of the Western-backed Free Syrian Army rebel group, and the payments started about a year ago.