Official statements from the US Department of Defense or credible news reports

US Denies Involvement as HTS-Led Offensive in Aleppo Surprises Biden Administration

Dec 1, 2024, 12:42 AM

The Biden administration was surprised by a recent offensive launched by Syrian rebels in Aleppo and its surroundings, according to reports from Axios citing a U.S. official. The offensive is led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a designated terrorist organization. The White House has denied any involvement in the attack, stating that the United States "has nothing to do with this offensive." National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett indicated that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation in Syria, has been in contact with regional capitals over the past 48 hours, and urges de-escalation. The White House attributed the collapse of Syrian regime lines to President Bashar al-Assad's refusal to engage in the political process and his dependence on Russia and Iran, stating that the Assad regime is to blame. Additionally, the administration emphasized its commitment to defending U.S. interests and military positions in Syria.