U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently confirmed that the United States has been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently confirmed that the United States has been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a crucial role in the recent ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. This acknowledgment marks the first time a U.S. official has publicly recognized such interactions since the Biden administration took office. Blinken made these statements during a press conference held in Aqaba, Jordan, stating, “Yes, we have been in contact with HTS and with other parties” and emphasized the importance of conveying messages regarding governance and conduct during Syria’s transitional phase.
HTS, formerly affiliated with al-Qaida, has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. since 2018, which complicates diplomatic relations. The designation imposes severe sanctions, including restrictions on providing material support to the group; however, it does not legally prevent U.S. officials from engaging in dialogue with them. Blinken highlighted that these contacts are part of broader efforts to ensure stability in post-Assad Syria and to assist in locating Austin Tice, an American journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012.
In addition to discussing HTS, Blinken noted that U.S. officials are also communicating with other parties in positions of authority within Syria. He reiterated that the U.S. aims to support the Syrian people and facilitate a successful transition following Assad’s departure. The situation remains fluid as HTS attempts to establish governance and security in areas previously controlled by Assad’s regime, while also addressing public concerns about potential extremist influences among rebel factions
