Secretary of State says U.S. officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that overthrew President Assad but is designated a terrorist organization.

Now covered in ashes and empty bullet casings, the grand mausoleum of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's family stood in the eyes of rebels as a symbol of the injustice Syrians endured under their long rule.

Rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham said they took control of Deir al-Zour in eastern Syria. Israel said its extensive strikes were to prevent a future attack.