The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved a resolution authorising the use of military force in Syria by a vote of 10 to 7.

This clears the way for a full Senate vote, which is expected next week.

The measure permits the use of limited military force in Syria for a period of 90 days, however it prevents the use of U.S. troops on the ground.

President Barrack Obama has been trying to build support for action against the Syrian government for its alleged use of chemical weapons last month.