U.S. officials have been in “direct contact” with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the opposition group that played a remarkable role in undermining Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as reported by the Associated Press.
During a news conference in Aqaba, Jordan, Blinken confirmed, “Yes, we have been in contact with HTS and with other parties.” He added that the U.S. aims to support the Syrian people in their quest for success, stating, “We want them to succeed, and we’re prepared to help them do so.”
Iran and Russia brace for fallout as Assad’s grip on Syria weakens further
HTS is recognized as an offshoot of al Qaeda but has sought to rebrand itself as a more moderate Islamist entity, despite being designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. The group has established a transitional government intended to guide Syria through March 2025, with Mohammed al-Bashir, a former administrator of the northwestern provinces under HTS control, serving as the acting prime minister.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, HTS’s leader, who was previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is attempting to present himself as moderate to alleviate concerns from Western leaders regarding the potential treatment of minority communities and fears of extremism in the country. In a video message released on Friday, he commended “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.”
The downfall of Assad’s government has created challenges for the approximately 900 U.S. troops in Syria engaged in counter-ISIS operations and has complicated the situation for Washington’s allies in the region.
While Iran and Russia, Assad’s main supporters, are expected to feel the most serious impact from his regime’s collapse, the U.S. and its Kurdish allies will need to collaborate with a coalition of rebels predominantly backed by Turkey, which labels Kurdish fighters as terrorists.
With President-elect Trump preparing to assume office next month, there are rising concerns regarding his stance on U.S. involvement in Syria and the potential withdrawal of American troops from the country.
