US confirms direct contact with Syrian group that ousted Assad

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - AMMAN — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Saturday that American officials have been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that led the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Speaking at a news conference in Jordan, Blinken underscored the importance of engaging with HTS and other parties to ensure a stable transition for Syria.

“Yes, we have been in contact with HTS and with other parties,” Blinken said, marking the first public acknowledgment of U.S. communication with the group.

HTS, previously affiliated with al-Qaida, is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., which imposes strict sanctions against providing material support to its members. However, those sanctions do not prohibit communication.

Blinken stressed the U.S.’s commitment to Syria’s recovery, saying, “Our message to the Syrian people is this: We want them to succeed, and we’re prepared to help them do so.”

Blinken, along with officials from eight Arab nations, Turkey, the European Union, and the United Nations, endorsed principles aimed at fostering Syria’s transition to a nonsectarian, inclusive government.

Ahmad al-Sharaa, the HTS leader formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, addressed the transition during a television interview, highlighting the group's efforts to establish security and distance itself from its extremist past. While he did not mention direct talks with the U.S., he noted that the new authorities in Damascus are engaging with Western embassies.

The joint statement from the foreign ministers called for locally led political processes, the prevention of extremist group resurgence, and the safeguarding of chemical weapons stockpiles.

Arab foreign ministers also advocated for U.N.-supervised elections under a new Syrian constitution.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized the importance of stability, saying, “We don’t want Syria to fall into chaos.”

HTS has faced the monumental task of maintaining security and managing a country ravaged by years of conflict. Despite concerns over extremist elements within its ranks, the group has worked to reassure Syrians and the international community about its governance plans.

The Syrian situation has also prompted new diplomatic moves in the region. Turkey reopened its embassy in Damascus, becoming the first country to do so since Assad’s ouster.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah acknowledged the loss of its Syrian supply lines but expressed hope for their reinstatement under the new authorities.

Meanwhile, tensions with Israel remain a concern. Al-Sharaa accused Israel of overstepping its bounds with recent airstrikes but indicated that the new Syrian leadership is not seeking conflict.

Blinken highlighted ongoing efforts to address humanitarian concerns, including the safe turnover of an American previously imprisoned by Assad’s government.

He also reaffirmed the U.S.’s determination to locate Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared 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,” Blinken said. — Agencies