The symbolic raising marks the first time the U.S. flag has flown above Damascus since Washington shut down its embassy in response to deadly violence.

For the first time since 2012, the flag was raised as the new US Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, arrived in Damascus.

The United States' newly-appointed Syria envoy said he believed peace between Syria and Israel was achievable as he made his first trip to Damascus on Thursday, praising the Islamist-led government and saying it was ready for dialogue.