The United States has confirmed direct communication with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian rebel group that now holds de-facto control of the country, Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed on Saturday, according to CNN.
This is the first public acknowledgment of such contact with HTS, which the US has classified as a terrorist organization.
Blinken’s confirmation came at the end of his diplomatic mission through the region following the sudden collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. In a press conference in Aqaba, Jordan, Blinken stated, “Yes, we’ve been in contact with HTS and the other parties,” without providing further details on the timing or nature of the interactions. He also clarified that there is no legal restriction on engaging with groups designated as terrorist organizations.
The Secretary of State emphasized the priority of locating American journalist Austin Tice, who has been detained in Syria for over a decade. “We have pressed upon everyone we’ve been in contact with the importance of helping find Austin Tice and bringing him home,” Blinken remarked.
During his visit, Blinken also reiterated the Biden administration’s commitment to recognizing and supporting a new Syrian government that rejects terrorism, dismantles chemical weapons, and protects the rights of minorities and women. He affirmed that the US will work alongside Syrian groups and regional allies to facilitate a smooth transition in Syria after Assad’s ouster.
* Arutz 7 contributed to this article.
