The United States is increasing support to rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. On Monday, 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.

Marie Harf: “So, this is not obviously tantamount to recognition of the SOC as the government of Syria. It’s a reflection of our partnership with the coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. It will do a few things. It will allow us to formally facilitate banking and security services for the coalition offices in the United States, that’s one. It will also facilitate their outreach to the Syrian diaspora in an increased way in the United States, as well.”

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.