Official announcements from the U.S. government or credible media reports

Blinken Confirms U.S. Direct Contact with Syrian Rebel Group HTS on Austin Tice Case, Marks First Acknowledgment

Dec 14, 2024, 03:49 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the United States has been in direct contact with the Syrian Islamist rebel group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a significant role in the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. This marks the first acknowledgment by the U.S. of direct communication with HTS, a group that is designated as a terrorist organization. Blinken stated that discussions with HTS have focused on efforts to locate American journalist Austin Tice and emphasized U.S. principles for recognizing a future Syrian government. He also noted the regional implications of the situation in Syria and the ongoing challenges faced in the region.