The US strongly supports a peaceful transition of power to an accountable Syrian government following the rebel forces’ takeover, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday.

“During this transitional period, the Syrian people have every right to demand the preservation of state institutions, the resumption of key services, and the protection of vulnerable communities,” Blinken said in a statement.

The US has taken note of statements of made by leaders of the rebel coalition Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), Blinken added, saying that the US calls on all actors to respect human rights, take all precautions to protect civilians and to uphold international humanitarian law.

“As they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their action,” he said.

Antony Blinken