The Trump administration has decided to halt the CIA's covert program to equip and train certain rebel groups fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. <br/><br/>US officials said, a move sought by Assad ally Russia, is part of an effort by the US administration to improve relations with Russia. Officials said, CIA programme began in 2013 to overthrow Assad, but it produced little success. The Washington Post was first to report the program's suspension yesterday.