The United States has confirmed it is in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which recently seized control of Damascus, effectively ending Bashar al-Assad’s two-decade-long rule.
This announcement was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a briefing on Saturday in Jordan.
Blinken mentioned that US remains committed to bringing Austin Tice, an American journalist who has been missing in Syria since 2012, back home. He explained that Washington had been in contact with HTS and other groups operating in the region, urging them to assist in the search for Tice and ensure his safe return.
Blinken also reiterated the United States' ongoing support for the principles guiding the region’s stability, which have been embraced by various countries across the Middle East and beyond.
Also Blinken responding to media reports about the potential withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria, acknowledging the information but refraining from offering any specific insights beyond what had been reported. He directed further inquiries to other US officials for clarification on the matter.
Blinken was on an unannounced diplomatic tour of the Middle East, with his visit to Jordan and Iraq forming part of the broader agenda. His first stop was in Turkey, where he discussed regional security concerns, including the potential resurgence of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
During his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Blinken stressed the importance of a Syrian-led transition that should be guided and owned by Syrians themselves.
The final leg of his tour brought Blinken to Baghdad, where he met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The discussions between the two leaders focused on Syria’s future following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government.
Blinken and al-Sudani both agreed that Syria’s transition must be inclusive, ensuring the protection of all minorities within the country. They also underlined the necessity for the new Syrian government to be non-sectarian, representing the interests of all its people.
Blinken made it clear that Syria must not become a safe haven for terrorism, emphasising that this moment is crucial not only for Syria but also for Iraq to strengthen its sovereignty and ensure its stability going forward.
The toppling of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has created a significant shift in the political landscape of Syria. The opposition, which led the rebellion, has announced the appointment of Mohammed al-Bashir as the interim Prime Minister.
Al-Bashir’s primary objective is to manage the repatriation of millions of Syrian refugees who have been living abroad since the start of the civil war.
His administration is also focused on bringing stability to the war-torn country, working alongside former officials of Assad’s regime to restore public services and rebuild vital institutions.
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