US Senate panel backs use of force

A Senate panel has approved the use of military force in Syria, in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack.

By 10-7, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations moved the measure to a full Senate vote, expected next week.

The vote comes as President Barack Obama tries to build support in the US for punitive military action against the Syrian government.

The much-debated measure allows the use of limited military force in Syria for 90 days.

It also prevents the use of US troops on the ground.

Despite Wednesday's vote, the bill's fate in the wider Senate is still unclear.

So far, only 21 senators have said they support or are likely to support the resolution, according to a tally by ABC News.

Thirteen have said they oppose or are likely to oppose the resolution, while 66 votes are undecided or unknown.



From BBC