Jordan says it will help train Syrian rebels as part of its fight against the extremist Islamic State group, which controls parts of neighboring Syria and Iraq.

The training is part of a regional effort also involving Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar as hosts of training sites. The U.S. Congress has passed legislation providing $500 million for training about 5,000 rebels over the next year.

Jordanian government spokesman Mohammed al-Momani said Monday that Jordan will train Syrians to "defeat the terrorism that has been killing their sons and daughters."

He would not say if training has already begun or where it would take place.

Jordan is part of a U.S.-led military coalition against the Islamic State. It stepped up its involvement after the extremists burned a captured Jordanian fighter pilot.