U.S. Urges Syrian Rebels HTS to Form Inclusive Government Post-Assad

Dec 11, 2024, 01:59 AM

The Biden administration has engaged in initial contacts with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power. U.S. officials have urged HTS not to assume automatic leadership of the country but instead to support the formation of an inclusive transitional government that represents the will of the Syrian people. This outreach reflects Washington's stance that it will not back HTS's control without a comprehensive process to select new leaders, according to Reuters, citing two American officials and a congressional aide.