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.