US Confirms Direct Contact with HTS on Missing Journalist Austin Tice

Dec 14, 2024, 04:12 PM

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced that the United States has been in direct contact with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist rebel group in Syria designated as a terrorist organization since 2018 due to links with Al Qaeda. Speaking during his Middle East trip in Jordan, Blinken stated, "We are in direct contact with HTS and with other parties in Syria." The discussions with HTS have focused on efforts to locate missing American journalist Austin Tice and to emphasize US principles for recognizing a future Syrian government. Blinken also mentioned that the US would consider sanctions against HTS after observing their actions. This marks the first time the US has confirmed direct contact with HTS. Blinken declined to specify who within the US government is the primary contact with HTS.