Operation Timber Sycamore was a covert initiative led by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from approximately 2012 to 2017, aimed at training and arming Syrian rebel factions to oppose President Bashar al-Assad’s regime during the Syrian Civil [[War]]. The operation was supported by several allied intelligence services, including those of the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey . **Objectives and Implementation** The primary objective of Timber Sycamore was to facilitate regime change in Syria by bolstering opposition forces. The CIA, through its Special Activities Division, provided training, funding, and weaponry to selected rebel groups. Saudi Arabia played a significant role in financing the operation, while the United States focused on training and logistical support . **Challenges and Controversies** Despite its intentions, the program faced substantial challenges: - **Vetting Issues**: Reports indicated that some of the rebel groups supported by the program had affiliations with extremist organisations, including ISIS and the Al-Nusra Front. Concerns were raised about inadequate vetting processes, leading to the inadvertent empowerment of such groups  . - **Weapon Diversion**: A significant quantity of U.S.-supplied arms reportedly ended up on the black market or in the hands of unintended recipients, exacerbating regional instability . - **Operational Effectiveness**: The program was criticised for its high costs and limited success in achieving its strategic goals. Some assessments suggested that the initiative may have inadvertently prolonged the conflict and contributed to the rise of extremist factions . **Termination and Legacy** In 2017, President Donald Trump ordered the cessation of Timber Sycamore, influenced by concerns over its efficacy and the potential for further unintended consequences . The operation remains a subject of debate among policymakers and analysts, serving as a case study in the complexities and risks associated with covert foreign interventions. `Concepts:` [[Politics]] `Knowledge Base:`