US In ‘Direct Contact’ with Syria’s HTS Rebels, Says Antony Blinken As Terrorist Designation Remains

The United States has established "direct contact" with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels, despite the group being designated as a terrorist organisation.

File Photo of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Source : PTI

The United States has established "direct contact" with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels, despite the group being designated as a terrorist organisation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Saturday. This marks a significant shift in diplomacy, as Blinken discussed efforts for a peaceful transition in Syria during talks in the Jordanian Red Sea resort of Aqaba.

"We've been in contact with HTS and with other parties," Blinken told reporters after the discussions, as quoted by news agency AFP. When asked if the US had reached out directly to HTS, he replied: "Direct contact – yes."

Blinken explained that the contact was partly aimed at locating Austin Tice, the US journalist who was abducted in 2012 amid Syria's brutal civil war. "We have pressed upon everyone we've been in contact with the importance of helping find Austin Tice and bringing him home," Blinken said, as per AFP.

In addition, Blinken revealed that the dialogue with HTS also involved sharing the US's principles for Syria, focusing on a peaceful transition. "We agreed that the transition process should be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned and produce an inclusive and representative government," he stated. Blinken further emphasised that the rights of all Syrians, including minorities and women, should be respected, and humanitarian aid should reach those in need. He also noted that essential state services should continue to be delivered.

During the Aqaba talks, Blinken participated in discussions with top Arab, European, and Turkish diplomats, highlighting the regional support for a transition that meets Syria's diverse needs, as per AFP's report. UN Syria envoy Geir Pedersen underscored the importance of ensuring that state institutions remain intact and humanitarian aid flows into the country.

Syria's HTS Remains Classified As Terrorist Organisation

HTS, a group with roots in Al-Qaeda’s Syrian faction, is still classified as a terrorist organisation by the United States and other Western governments. This designation restricts businesses and aid workers from engaging with the group due to the risk of falling foul of US law. Despite this, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, who recently led the group's overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, has spoken of the need for peace with a broad spectrum of Syrian society.

Blinken remained cautious about any change in the US stance towards HTS, with expectations that the terrorist designation would remain, especially given the impending political transition following the US presidential election. 

In Britain, a senior minister indicated to AFP the possibility of revisiting the terrorist designation, but UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer later walked back the comments, stating that it was "far too early" to make such a decision.

According to the report, Blinken expressed hope after witnessing celebrations in Syrian cities, noting, "No one has any illusions about how challenging this time will be, but there's also something incredibly powerful – the Syrian people determined to break with the past and shape a better future."

He also praised the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for raising the new "independence" flag of the rebels, marking a shift after years of flying their own flag. While Blinken noted that it was for Syrians to decide how to incorporate Kurds into the country, he commended SDF fighters for their role in combatting the Islamic State group, despite opposition from Turkey.