The United States will deploy "fewer than 50" special operations forces to northern Syria in an advisory role, US officials said Friday, as major powers met in Vienna to find a political solution to the conflict.

President Barack Obama "has authorized a small complement -- fewer than 50 -- of US Special Operations Forces to deploy to northern Syria, where they will help coordinate local ground forces and coalition efforts to counter ISIL," said a senior administration official, referring to the Islamic State group.

Source: AFP