Washington, May 6 (RHC)-- The United States is increasing support to rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. On Monday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Marie Harf announced plans for more than $27 million in new "non-lethal" aid and said the offices of the Syrian Opposition Coalition will now be recognized as a foreign mission.

The State Department spokeswoman said that such recognition is "a reflection of a partnership with the coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people." She noted that it will allow Washington to formally facilitate banking and security services for the Coalition offices in the United States.

The announcement coincides with the arrival in Washington, D.C., of a delegation of Syrian opposition leaders who are set to meet with Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday.