AQABA, Jordan — On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that American officials have initiated direct communications with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has played a pivotal role in the recent removal of President Bashar Assad’s regime. It is important to note that HTS is classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States and several other nations.
Blinken is the first senior U.S. official to openly confirm these communications between the Biden administration and HTS, a group that has been central to the coalition responsible for ousting Assad from power just last Sunday.
During a press briefing in Aqaba, Blinken did not provide detailed information about the discussions but highlighted the importance of conveying essential messages to HTS regarding its governance and conduct during this transitional period.
“We have indeed been in contact with HTS and other key stakeholders,” Blinken stated. He also communicated a message from the U.S. to the Syrian people, affirming, “We are committed to their success and are prepared to support them in achieving it.”
HTS, which has historical ties to al-Qaida, has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department since 2018. This label brings with it severe penalties, including bans on providing any “material support” to the group or its affiliates. Nevertheless, such designations do not legally prevent U.S. officials from engaging in dialogue with recognized terrorist entities.
In an interview with Syrian television on Saturday, HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, did not confirm any direct discussions with the U.S. However, he hinted that the new authorities in Damascus are maintaining lines of communication with Western embassies.
After taking control of Damascus, HTS has been concentrating on establishing security and initiating a political transition while addressing public concerns regarding extremist factions within the rebel groups. Leaders within HTS assert that they have moved away from their radical roots.
In a video message released on Friday, al-Sharaa extended his congratulations to “the resilient Syrian people on the triumph of the blessed revolution.”
U.S. officials have pointed out that al-Sharaa has made encouraging statements concerning the protection of minority and women’s rights. However, there is a degree of skepticism regarding his long-term commitment to uphold these promises.
On Friday, rebel factions and the unarmed Syrian opposition successfully collaborated to ensure the safe handover of an American citizen previously held by Assad’s regime to U.S. authorities.
Additionally, U.S. officials are actively seeking information regarding Austin Tice, an American journalist who vanished near Damascus twelve years ago.
“We have emphasized to everyone we’ve reached out to the critical importance of aiding in the search for Austin Tice and ensuring his safe return,” Blinken noted.
