The State Department said on Monday it is not actively reviewing the 'foreign terrorist organisation' designation of the main Syrian rebel group that overthrew Bashar Assad's government this weekend. But, it said such designations are constantly under review, and that even while it's in place, the label does not bar US officials from speaking with the group.

'There is no specific review related to what happened' over the weekend, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. 'That said, we are always reviewing. Based on their actions, there could be a change in our sanctions posture, but we have nothing today.' He said a review could be initiated if Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known as HTS, takes steps to reverse the reasons for its designation. That would be based entirely on its actions, he said.