AQABA, Jordan — On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that American officials have initiated direct dialogue with the Syrian rebel faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has been pivotal in the recent removal of President Bashar Assad’s government. It’s important to note that HTS is recognized as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. and various other nations.
This marks the first time a senior U.S. official has publicly confirmed such communications between the Biden administration and HTS, particularly following HTS’s significant role in the coalition that led to Assad’s ousting last Sunday.
During a press conference in Aqaba, Blinken chose not to share detailed information about the discussions but highlighted the importance of conveying crucial messages to HTS regarding governance and behavior during this transitional period.
“We have indeed been in contact with HTS and other key players,” Blinken remarked. He also communicated the U.S. commitment to the Syrian people, stating, “We are dedicated to their success and prepared to support them in achieving it.”
HTS, which has historical ties to al-Qaida, has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department since 2018. This designation brings stringent sanctions, including a ban on any “material support” for the group or its affiliates. Nonetheless, these classifications do not legally bar U.S. officials from engaging in discussions with recognized terrorist organizations.
In an interview with Syrian television on Saturday, HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, did not confirm any direct communications with the U.S. However, he did suggest that the new authorities in Damascus are keeping in touch with Western embassies.
In the aftermath of the takeover of Damascus, HTS has been concentrating on establishing stability and initiating a political transition while addressing public concerns about extremist factions within the group. Leaders of HTS claim that the organization has made efforts to distance itself from its radical roots.
In a video message released on Friday, al-Sharaa extended his congratulations to “the great Syrian people on the triumph of the blessed revolution.”
U.S. officials have observed that al-Sharaa has expressed supportive views regarding the protection of minority and women’s rights, though there are doubts about his long-term commitment to uphold these assurances.
On Friday, various rebel factions and the unarmed Syrian opposition worked together to ensure the safe transfer of an American citizen who had been held by Assad’s regime to U.S. authorities.
Additionally, U.S. officials are actively following leads to find Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared near Damascus twelve years ago.
“We have emphasized to all our contacts the critical need to assist in locating Austin Tice and ensuring his safe return,” Blinken stated.
