Blinken: U.S. in Direct Contact with HTS Over Assad's Ouster and Austin Tice

Dec 14, 2024, 04:39 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking during his Middle East trip in Jordan, has confirmed that the United States has been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian rebel group under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Jolani that overthrew President Bashar al-Assad's government. Despite HTS being designated as a terrorist organization, Blinken stated, 'We are in direct contact with HTS and other parties in Syria,' indicating a significant shift in U.S. policy. Discussions with HTS have focused on the issue of missing American journalist Austin Tice and stressing U.S. principles for recognizing a future Syrian government. Blinken mentioned that the U.S. will review sanctions against HTS after assessing their actions. The international community is closely monitoring HTS's governance structures and potential impact on Syria's future.