U.S. Officials in Contact with Syrian Rebel Group, Says Secretary of State Antony Blinken
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed that American officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led the overthrow of President Bashar Assad’s government.
Getting the Day’s Top News
Get daily National news
Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
Blinken made the announcement at a news conference in Aqaba, Jordan, saying that the U.S. has been in contact with HTS and other parties. "Yes, we have been in contact with HTS and with other parties," he said. "Our message to the Syrian people is this: We want them to succeed and we’re prepared to help them do so."
HTS: A Foreign Terrorist Organization
HTS, which was once an affiliate of al-Qaida, has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department since 2018. This designation carries severe sanctions, including a ban on the provision of any "material support" to the group or its members. However, the sanctions do not legally bar U.S. officials from communicating with designated groups.
Rebel Group’s Leader
The group’s leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, appeared in a video message Friday congratulating "the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution."
U.S. Officials Skeptical of Rebel Group’s Commitment to Protecting Minority and Women’s Rights
U.S. officials have expressed skepticism that Sharaa will follow through on his welcome comments about protecting minority and women’s rights in the long run.
Search for American Journalist Austin Tice Continues
U.S. officials are still searching for Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared 12 years ago near Damascus. "We have impressed upon everyone we’ve been in contact with the importance of helping find Austin Tice and bringing him home," Blinken said.
Conclusion
The U.S. government’s decision to engage with HTS has raised concerns about the group’s commitment to protecting minority and women’s rights. However, Blinken’s announcement highlights the importance of the U.S. playing a role in supporting the Syrian people in their transition to a new government.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is HTS?
HTS is a Syrian rebel group that was once an affiliate of al-Qaida and has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department. - What are the sanctions imposed on HTS?
The sanctions imposed on HTS include a ban on the provision of any "material support" to the group or its members. - Is the U.S. government in contact with HTS?
Yes, U.S. officials have been in direct contact with HTS and other parties, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
About The Author
