US Senate approves plan to train, arm Syrian rebels

, Sept 19: The US Senate Thursday approved President

's plan to train and arm Syrian rebels in the efforts to fight the Islamic State (IS) militant group, a day after the House of Representatives adopted the measure.

The Senate voted 78 to 22 to give the president the authority, as part of a package that funds the federal government, xinhua reported.

The legislation will now land on Obama's desk for his signature into law.

Obama welcomed the Congress for its approval.

IANS