The White House warned of a ` ` dire '' situation for Syrian civilians . It was unclear exactly what the secret order , referred to as an intelligence `` finding , '' authorized and when it was signed , but the sources said it was within the past several months . Up to one million are in need of aid , the U.N. said . Obama also has OK with covert , nonlethal support for Syrian rebels , officials say .
The White House warned of a ` ` dire '' situation for Syrian civilians . Up to one million are in need of aid , the U.N. said . Obama also has OK with covert , nonlethal support for Syrian rebels , officials say .