U.S. Lifts $10 Million Bounty on Syria's New Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa of HTS After Damascus Meeting

Dec 20, 2024, 07:11 PM

U.S. diplomats, led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, have met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in Damascus. This marks the first official U.S. visit to Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. During the meeting, the U.S. decided to lift a $10 million bounty previously placed on al-Sharaa's head, following his commitment to prevent terrorist groups from posing a threat within Syria or externally. Leaf described the discussions as 'good' and 'very productive,' noting al-Sharaa's pragmatic approach. The U.S. delegation also discussed the political transition in Syria, emphasizing the need for an inclusive government that respects the rights of minorities and women. Additionally, the delegation sought information about missing American journalist Austin Tice and other U.S. citizens who disappeared under Assad's rule.