US confirms direct contact with Syrian rebel leaders

The United States has confirmed direct engagement with Syria’s rebel leaders following the recent overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s government. 

U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken announced on Saturday that American officials have been in communication with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the U.S. since 2018.

Speaking at a news conference in Aqaba, Jordan, Blinken remarked that these contacts were essential for conveying expectations regarding the group’s conduct and governance during Syria’s transition period. 

He said, “Yes, we have been in contact with HTS and with other parties. Our message to the Syrian people is this: We want them to succeed and we’re prepared to help them do so.”

HTS, which once had ties to al-Qaida, led a coalition of armed opposition groups in the swift toppling of Assad’s regime last Sunday. 

Although the U.S. government’s terrorist designation of HTS imposes strict sanctions, including a ban on material support, it does not legally prevent American officials from engaging in dialogue with the group.

HTS leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has avoided direct mentions of communication with the U.S. but confirmed ongoing interactions with Western embassies. 

Al-Sharaa has sought to reassure Syrians about the group’s intentions, emphasising a commitment to security and political transition. In a video message on Friday, he hailed the victory of what he described as “the blessed revolution.”

Blinken highlighted the broader implications of Syria’s transformation, acknowledging potential challenges. 

He said, “We know that what happens inside of Syria can have powerful consequences well beyond its borders, from mass displacement to terrorism, and we know that we can’t underestimate the challenges of this moment and in the weeks and months ahead.”

Meanwhile, efforts to secure the release of detained Americans in Syria continue. Blinken confirmed that U.S. officials are intensifying the search for Austin Tice, a journalist who vanished near Damascus 12 years ago.

“We have impressed upon everyone we’ve been in contact with the importance of helping find Austin Tice and bringing him home,” he said.

According to CBS News, the Syrian rebels on Friday coordinated the safe release of Travis Timmerman, an American previously imprisoned under Assad’s regime. U.S. military forces evacuated Timmerman from Syria earlier this week.

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