AQABA, Jordan — On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that American officials have initiated direct communication with the Syrian rebel faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a key player in the recent removal of President Bashar Assad’s administration. It’s worth noting that HTS is recognized as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States and various other nations.
Blinken marked a significant moment by becoming the first senior U.S. official to openly discuss these communications between the Biden administration and HTS, which has been instrumental in the coalition that ousted Assad just days ago.
During a press conference in Aqaba, Blinken was careful not to reveal detailed information about the talks but highlighted the importance of conveying crucial messages to HTS about their governance and conduct during this critical transition period.
“Indeed, we have been in contact with HTS and other relevant parties,” Blinken stated. He also communicated a message from the U.S. to the Syrian people: “We are committed to their success and prepared to support them in achieving it.”
HTS, which has historical ties to al-Qaida, has been labeled a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department since 2018. This designation carries significant sanctions, including a ban on providing any “material support” to the group or its affiliates. However, it does not legally bar U.S. officials from engaging in dialogue with designated terrorist organizations.
In a television interview on Saturday, HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, did not confirm any direct talks with the U.S. However, he mentioned that the new authorities in Damascus are keeping lines of communication open with Western embassies.
Since taking control of Damascus, HTS has prioritized establishing security and launching a political transition, while also addressing public anxieties about extremist elements within their ranks. Leaders of the group assert that HTS has distanced itself from its more radical past.
In a video message released on Friday, al-Sharaa extended his congratulations to “the great Syrian people on the triumph of the blessed revolution.”
U.S. officials have noted that al-Sharaa has expressed positive views regarding the protection of minority and women’s rights, though doubts persist regarding his long-term commitment to uphold these assurances.
On Friday, rebel factions alongside the unarmed Syrian opposition worked together to ensure the safe transfer of an American citizen who had been detained by Assad’s regime to U.S. representatives.
U.S. authorities are also actively exploring leads to find Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared near Damascus twelve years ago.
“We have emphasized to everyone we’ve spoken with the vital importance of aiding in the search for Austin Tice and ensuring his safe return,” Blinken remarked.
