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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.

Tens of thousands of people packed the Syrian capital today.

They gathered at a mosque in Damascus for the first Friday prayer

since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted last weekend.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has been traveling through the Middle East,

drumming up support for Syria as it works to form an interim government.

Blinken spoke from Baghdad today after meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister.

It's very significant that Iraq, along with many other countries in the region

and beyond, will make best efforts to support the Syrian people as they emerge from the Assad years.

The Biden administration says it's closely watching the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq who have threatened U.S. interests in the past.

An American citizen who was among thousands of prisoners freed from Syrian jails has been handed over to U.S. forces.

NPR's Jane Arraf reports the 29-year-old man from Missouri was held for seven months in a Damascus prison

after being arrested for illegally entering the country.

U.S. fighter jets flew overhead as Pete Timmerman, who goes by the name Travis, identified

himself to an American officer.

Can I get your full name?

It's Travis.

Last name? I just Travis. Travis. Can I get your full name? Travis. Last name?

I just Travis.

Can I get your birthday?

Travis answered a couple more questions from the special forces officer.

...