The number of improvised explosives used by rebels in Syria has increased sharply this year, suggesting to some military experts that more outside help is reaching regime opponents and the conflict may widen.
“If they can sustain this trend, that indicates some external support,” Army Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, commander of the Pentagon’s lead organization to combat improvised explosives, told USA TODAY.
The monthly number of IEDs reported in Syria jumped 134% from December to January, according to the Pentagon’s Joint IED Defeat Organization.
The numbers that percentage is based on remain classified.
