Blinken Says U.S. in Direct Contact with HTS, Terrorist-Listed Syrian Rebels Who Ousted Assad

Dec 14, 2024, 07:05 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at a news conference in Jordan, confirmed that American officials have been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist rebel group now in control of Syria after overthrowing President Bashar al-Assad's government. Blinken stated that the communications with HTS and other parties in Syria were aimed at discussing the case of missing American journalist Austin Tice and stressing U.S. principles for recognizing a future Syrian government. This marks the first time the United States has publicly acknowledged direct contact with HTS, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Blinken emphasized the importance of international unity in supporting a peaceful transition in Syria and urged HTS to respect human rights and reject extremism.