US Rescinds $10 Million Bounty on HTS Leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani After Meeting in Damascus

Dec 21, 2024, 09:15 AM

The United States has officially rescinded its $10 million bounty on Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of the Syrian militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This decision was announced by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf following a diplomatic meeting in Damascus. The U.S. government informed al-Julani that it would no longer pursue the reward, which was initially offered for his capture due to terrorism charges. This move reflects a shift in U.S. policy towards the new leadership in Syria, particularly after the recent ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The removal of the bounty indicates a potential realignment of U.S. relations with HTS amid ongoing changes in the Syrian political landscape.