Pentagon: Trained fighters held by al-Nusra

The U.S. Department of Defense has indications that members of the train-and-equip program for Syrian fighters have been detained by al-Nusra Front militant group in Syria, a Pentagon official said Tuesday. Since last week, reports from inside Syria have been claiming that al-Nusra has captured at least five fighters trained by the U.S. and coalition forces. "We have indications members of the New Syrian Forces have been detained by al-Nusra Front in Syria," U.S. Defense Department Spokeswoman Elissa Smith told Anadolu Agency. "We are monitoring the situation but have no further details to provide," Smith added. Local sources said that the Turkmen-dominated group of "train-and-equip" fighters were held by al-Nusra on Wednesday night.