US In Direct Contact with Syria’s HTS Rebels, Says Antony Blinken As Terrorist Designation Remains
Trending News
3 weeks, 6 days ago

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

ABP News  

The United States has established "direct contact" with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels, despite the group being designated as a terrorist organisation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Saturday. In addition, Blinken revealed that the dialogue with HTS also involved sharing the US's principles for Syria, focusing on a peaceful transition. 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. 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.

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History of this topic

US drops $10mn terrorism bounty offered for capture of Syrian rebel leader who ousted Assad
2 weeks, 6 days ago

US drops $10mn terrorism bounty offered for capture of Syrian rebel leader who ousted Assad

Hindustan Times  

The Biden administration said Friday it has decided not to pursue a $10 million reward it had offered for the capture of a Syrian rebel leader whose forces led the ouster of President Bashar Assad earlier this month. AP/PTI The announcement followed a meeting in Damascus between the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was once …

U.S. Diplomats And Hostage Envoy Visit Syria Seeking Information On Austin Tice
3 weeks, 1 day ago

U.S. Diplomats And Hostage Envoy Visit Syria Seeking Information On Austin Tice

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — The first U.S. diplomats to visit Syria since President Bashar Assad’s ouster earlier this month are now in Damascus to hold talks with the country’s new leaders and seek information on the whereabouts of missing American journalist Austin Tice. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, former special envoy for Syria Daniel …

US drops $10M terrorism bounty offered for capture of Syrian rebel leader who ousted Assad
3 weeks, 1 day ago

US drops $10M terrorism bounty offered for capture of Syrian rebel leader who ousted Assad

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS, Syria — The Biden administration said Friday it has decided not to pursue a $10 million reward it had offered for the capture of a Syrian rebel leader whose forces led the ouster of President Bashar Assad earlier this month. The announcement followed a meeting in Damascus between the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, Ahmad al-Sharaa, who …

U.S. holds first meeting with rebels in charge of Syria
3 weeks, 1 day ago

U.S. holds first meeting with rebels in charge of Syria

LA Times  

A Syrian man holds the Syrian opposition flag as he passes by a picture of ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus, Syria, on Dec. 9, 2024. Senior U.S. diplomats traveled to Damascus Friday and held a first-ever meeting with the rebels who toppled longtime dictator Bashar Assad. U.S. officials said they pressed the transitional government established by rebels to …

US diplomats arrive in Damascus to meet Syrian rulers days after Assad's ouster
3 weeks, 1 day ago

US diplomats arrive in Damascus to meet Syrian rulers days after Assad's ouster

India Today  

Top diplomats from the Biden administration are in Damascus on Friday to meet new Syrian authorities led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a State Department spokesperson said, the first in-person and official meeting between Washington and Syria's de-facto new rulers. The State Department's top Middle East diplomat Barbara Leaf, Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and newly appointed Senior Advisor …

After US and UK, Germany makes diplomatic contact with Syrian’s HTS
3 weeks, 4 days ago

After US and UK, Germany makes diplomatic contact with Syrian’s HTS

Firstpost  

German diplomats’ first talks with representatives of the HTS-appointed interim government will focus on a transitional process for Syria and the protection of minorities, a spokesperson for the German foreign ministry said Germany has joined the list of countries trying to establish diplomatic contact with Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as its foreign ministry on Tuesday said that the government is …

No US group searching for missing journalist in Syria: Justice Department
3 weeks, 4 days ago

No US group searching for missing journalist in Syria: Justice Department

India Today  

The US State Department on Monday said there is no US government organisation currently on the ground in Syria for the search of Austin Tice, an American journalist taken captive during a reporting trip in August 2012, but did not rule out the possibility. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at a regular news briefing that the US was …

Post-Assad Syria: How key global powers are embracing the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
Trending News
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Post-Assad Syria: How key global powers are embracing the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

Firstpost  

The fall of Bashar al-Assad has reshaped Syria’s future and its ties with key nations. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading Syria’s transitional government, has attracted both cautious optimism and scepticism. UN Syria envoy Geir Pedersen meets with head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani in Damascus, Syria in …

UK has opened diplomatic contact with Syrian rebels who toppled Assad, says Lammy
3 weeks, 5 days ago

UK has opened diplomatic contact with Syrian rebels who toppled Assad, says Lammy

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK foreign secretary David Lammy has said the government has …

US in ‘direct contact’ with Syrian rebel group, confirms Blinken
3 weeks, 6 days ago

US in ‘direct contact’ with Syrian rebel group, confirms Blinken

Hindustan Times  

The United States is in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has gained control of Damascus after overthrowing the over two-decade regime of Bashar al-Assad, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken confirmed on Saturday. Blinken's visit to Baghdad was the final stop on his Middle East tour, following the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad's government …

US makes contact with Syria's HTS rebels after fall of Assad regime
3 weeks, 6 days ago

US makes contact with Syria's HTS rebels after fall of Assad regime

Firstpost  

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s comment on “direct contact” with the HTS rebels came despite the United States having designated the group as terrorists in 2018 The United States said Saturday it had made contact with Syria’s victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels, as Western and Arab states along with Turkey jointly voiced support for a united, peaceful Syria. Secretary of …

Search for missing US reporter in Syria intensifies after Assad's ouster
Trending News
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Search for missing US reporter in Syria intensifies after Assad's ouster

India Today  

In the early days of 2013, an American man, dressed in ragged clothing, dodged between houses in the streets of Damascus' upscale Mazzeh neighbourhood looking for a civilian to take him to safety after more than five months of captivity in the concrete cells of a local prison. US officials say that Tice's 2013 escape from prison, where he was …

US has had direct contact with Syrian rebel group, Antony Blinken says
Trending News
3 weeks, 6 days ago

US has had direct contact with Syrian rebel group, Antony Blinken says

India Today  

AQABA, Jordan: American officials have been in direct contact with the terrorist-designated rebel group that led the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday. He added that “our message to the Syrian people is this: We want them to succeed and we’re prepared to help them do so.” Blinken also stressed that “the …

U.S. officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that ousted Assad, Blinken says
Top News
3 weeks, 6 days ago

U.S. officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that ousted Assad, Blinken says

The Hindu  

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday that American officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that spearheaded the overthrow of President Bashar Assad’s government but is designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States and others. Mr. Blinken is the first U.S. official to publicly confirm contacts between the Biden administration and …

Bashar al-Assad’s ouster: US in direct contact with rebels, once linked to Al-Qaida
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Bashar al-Assad’s ouster: US in direct contact with rebels, once linked to Al-Qaida

Live Mint  

US is in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group, that is designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the United States and others, as announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday and reported by AP. Syrian rebel group, which was linked to Al-Qaida at one point of time, spearheaded the recent overthrow of President Bashar Assad's government. …

US officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that ousted Assad, Blinken says
3 weeks, 6 days ago

US officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that ousted Assad, Blinken says

Associated Press  

AQABA, Jordan — American officials have been in direct contact with the terrorist-designated rebel group that led the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday. AP AUDIO: US officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that ousted Assad, Blinken says AP correspondent Jackie Quinn reports on steps the United …

Thousands of Syrians celebrate during first Friday prayers since Assad’s fall
4 weeks ago

Thousands of Syrians celebrate during first Friday prayers since Assad’s fall

Deccan Chronicle  

Exuberant Syrians observed the first Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, gathering in the capital's historic main mosque, its largest square and around the country to celebrate the end of half a century of authoritarian rule.The gatherings illustrated the dramatic changes that have swept over Syria less than a week after insurgents marched into Damascus and toppled …

US officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that ousted Assad, says Blinken
4 weeks ago

US officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that ousted Assad, says Blinken

New Indian Express  

JORDAN: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday that American officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that spearheaded the overthrow of President Bashar Assad's government but is designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States and others. Blinken is the first U.S. official to publicly confirm contacts between the Biden administration and Hayat …

U.S. in direct contact with Syrian rebels who ousted Assad, Blinken says
4 weeks ago

U.S. in direct contact with Syrian rebels who ousted Assad, Blinken says

LA Times  

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken speaks during his meeting with the United Nations special envoy for Syria in Jordan’s southern Red Sea coastal city of Aqaba on Saturday. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said Saturday that American officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that spearheaded the overthrow of President Bashar Assad’s government but …

US Secretary of State Blinken acknowledges contact with Syria’s HTS rebels
4 weeks ago

US Secretary of State Blinken acknowledges contact with Syria’s HTS rebels

Al Jazeera  

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, has been designated a ‘foreign terrorist organisation’ in the US since 2018, under Donald Trump’s first term. HTS has been designated as a “foreign terrorist organisation” in the US since 2018, and the US largely avoids negotiations with such groups. Blinken also indicated his team sought HTS support for a set of “principles” that diplomats …

Blinken makes unannounced Iraq visit to discuss Syria's future and regional security post-Assad
Top News
4 weeks ago

Blinken makes unannounced Iraq visit to discuss Syria's future and regional security post-Assad

Firstpost  

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq on Friday to meet Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for talks on the future of neighboring Syria US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in New York City, US, on September 23, 2024. Reuters File US Secretary of State Antony Blinken …

Blinken makes unannounced trip to Iraq as international community grapples with Syrian regime collapse
Trending News
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Blinken makes unannounced trip to Iraq as international community grapples with Syrian regime collapse

CNN  

Baghdad CNN — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq Friday to meet with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as the international community grapples with the implications of the Syrian government’s collapse. As the US works with its key regional partners like Iraq, there is particular focus on ensuring that “any interim government also makes …

Blinken meets Iraq PM to discuss Syria future, fight against ISIL
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Blinken meets Iraq PM to discuss Syria future, fight against ISIL

Al Jazeera  

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for talks on the future of neighbouring Syria during an unannounced visit to Baghdad. Iraq opted not to allow Shia rebel groups to intervene in Syria as the opposition forces advanced and ultimately seized Damascus last weekend despite Baghdad’s concerns that unrest could spill over …

Efforts To Locate U.S. Journalist Austin Tice Intensify After Fall Of Assad Regime
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Efforts To Locate U.S. Journalist Austin Tice Intensify After Fall Of Assad Regime

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Efforts to locate Austin Tice, the U.S. journalist who was abducted while covering the civil war in Syria over 12 years ago, have gained new urgency following the sudden fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in the country. Tice’s father, Marc, told the newspaper he is “hopeful that the U.S. government would accept that offer.” Meanwhile, U.S. officials …

US must prevent Syria from becoming 'terrorist enclave,' Blinken says
4 weeks, 2 days ago

US must prevent Syria from becoming 'terrorist enclave,' Blinken says

China Daily  

WASHINGTON -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a congressional panel Wednesday the United States needs to "do everything possible to avoid" the scenario where Syria becomes a "terrorist enclave." Asked by Congressman Keith Self, Republican from Texas, whether he expected Syria to "descend into a terrorist enclave," Blinken said the administration of President Joe Biden would "do everything …

Antony Blinken heads to Middle East as US seeks role in Syria’s future
4 weeks, 2 days ago

Antony Blinken heads to Middle East as US seeks role in Syria’s future

Hindustan Times  

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading back to the Middle East as the Biden administration tries to shape the unfolding chaos in Syria before Donald Trump returns to the White House. “The Secretary will reiterate the United States’ support for an inclusive, Syrian-led transition to an accountable and representative government,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement …

Secretary of State Blinken is returning to the Mideast in his latest diplomatic foray
4 weeks, 2 days ago

Secretary of State Blinken is returning to the Mideast in his latest diplomatic foray

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Antony Blinken is returning to the Middle East this week on his 12th visit since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year but his first since the ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The State Department said Blinken would meet Jordanian officials, including King Abdullah II, in the port city of Aqaba on Thursday before flying …

As Syria's rebels turn rulers, world turns HTS 'terrorists' into partners
1 month ago

As Syria's rebels turn rulers, world turns HTS 'terrorists' into partners

Firstpost  

As Syria’s rebel forces rise to power, the international community is faced with a stark dilemma with once-designated “terrorists” in HTS now being considered potential partners in the country’s future governance In a dramatic turn of events, the Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad collapsed with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, once an Al Qaeda affiliate, taking control of the country. …

Syria crisis: Will US make tie with designated terror group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that overthrows Assad regime?
1 month ago

Syria crisis: Will US make tie with designated terror group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that overthrows Assad regime?

India TV News  

Syria crisis: The designated terror group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, also known as HTS, stormed into power after overthrowing the 50-year-long rule of Bashar al-Assad's family in Syria, following an armed revolt against the Syrian government. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's takeover pushed Western countries, especially the United States into a state of dilemma about making a tie with a designated terror outfit. …

US rushes to uncover new information on whereabouts of Austin Tice after collapse of Syrian regime
1 month ago

US rushes to uncover new information on whereabouts of Austin Tice after collapse of Syrian regime

CNN  

CNN — The US government is rushing to uncover new information on the whereabouts of Austin Tice following the collapse of the Syrian government this weekend. One US official told CNN that there is a “full-court press” to find Tice and that the US is “leaving no stone unturned.” The FBI on Sunday renewed its offer of up to $1 …

Leading the charge: Can Hayat Tahrir al-Sham bring stability to Syria?
1 month ago

Leading the charge: Can Hayat Tahrir al-Sham bring stability to Syria?

India Today  

After a lightning offensive by rebel forces in Syria, the dictatorial president, Bashar al-Assad has fled the country, effectively bringing his 24-year rule—and over 50 years of Assad family dominance in Syria—to an end. The Main Opposition in Syria: HTS In the wake of these events, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali has pledged full cooperation with the leadership the …

US caught by surprise as Syria overthrows al-Assad: Analysis
1 month ago

US caught by surprise as Syria overthrows al-Assad: Analysis

Al Jazeera  

President Biden praises overthrow but warns of uncertainty, as analysts question his administration’s years-long deprioritisation of Syria. “So many of us analysts and Syria watchers have been wondering what’s going to come next.” “ will need to recalibrate their approach to Syria,” added Idlbi, who is also a Syrian refugee. He also pointed to US support for Ukraine’s war against …

In a country splintered by civil war, could Syria’s rebels usher in a new dawn?
1 month ago

In a country splintered by civil war, could Syria’s rebels usher in a new dawn?

CNN  

CNN — The red, white, green and black Free Syrian Army flag flew over Damascus on Sunday as thousands of residents lined the main square in bursts of defiant jubilation – after President Bashar al-Assad relinquished his grip on power. “This is a regime that, for over 50 years, under the mantra of freedom, unity and socialism, oppressed, tortured and …

Antony Blinken speaks with foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, conveys that US wants to avoid escalation of Iran-Israel conflict
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Antony Blinken speaks with foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, conveys that US wants to avoid escalation of Iran-Israel conflict

Op India  

Amid rising tensions in West Asia, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on Sunday spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan to discuss the ‘blatant’ and ‘unprecedented’ attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel, US Department of State spokesperson Mathew Miller said. During his phone calls, Blinken emphasised the importance of avoiding escalation in the region and the importance …

Blinken makes unannounced Iraq trip amid Israel-Gaza war spillover fears
1 year, 2 months ago

Blinken makes unannounced Iraq trip amid Israel-Gaza war spillover fears

Al Jazeera  

Top US diplomat’s visit comes after Lebanon accuses Israel of killing four civilians in air raid. Blinken’s visit, following stops in Israel and Jordan, came after Lebanese officials said an Israeli air raid killed four civilians, including three children, in the latest escalation in fighting along the tense Lebanon-Israel border. Israel’s military and Hezbollah, which like Hamas is backed by …

Blinken, Austin say U.S. is ready to respond if personnel become targets of Israel-Hamas war
1 year, 2 months ago

Blinken, Austin say U.S. is ready to respond if personnel become targets of Israel-Hamas war

LA Times  

President Biden and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met last week in Tel Aviv with victims’ relatives and first responders who were directly affected by the Hamas attacks. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on Sunday said the United States expects the Israel-Hamas war to escalate through involvement by proxies of Iran …

Secretary of State Blinken's diplomatic efforts to contain Middle East conflict
1 year, 2 months ago

Secretary of State Blinken's diplomatic efforts to contain Middle East conflict

NPR  

Secretary of State Blinken's diplomatic efforts to contain Middle East conflict NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with NPR's Michele Kelemen about Secretary of State Antony Blinken's trip to the Middle East in the midst of war between Israel and Hamas. With an Israeli ground offensive likely imminent, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spent the past few days flying around the …

Syria denies it is holding American journalist Austin Tice
2 years, 4 months ago

Syria denies it is holding American journalist Austin Tice

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria denied on Wednesday it is holding U.S. journalist Austin Tice or other Americans after President Joe Biden accused the Syrian government of detaining him. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Damascus “denies it had kidnapped or is holding any American citizen on its territories.” “The U.S. issued last week misleading and illogical statements …

Syria denies holding U.S. journalist Austin Tice, rejecting Biden’s allegations
2 years, 4 months ago

Syria denies holding U.S. journalist Austin Tice, rejecting Biden’s allegations

LA Times  

Syria denied Wednesday that it is holding U.S. journalist Austin Tice or other Americans after President Biden accused the government here of detaining him. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Damascus “denies it had kidnapped or is holding any American citizen on its territories.” “The U.S. issued last week misleading and illogical statements by the American president …

US ‘directly engaged’ with Syrian officials on Austin Tice case
2 years, 4 months ago

US ‘directly engaged’ with Syrian officials on Austin Tice case

Al Jazeera  

State Department spokesman renews pledge to secure return of US journalist believed to be held by Syrian government. The United States has “directly engaged” with Syrian officials on the detention of US journalist Austin Tice, a spokesman for the US Department of State said, as the Biden administration renewed its pledge to secure Tice’s safe return to the country. “We …

Blinken: US wants ‘independent’ probe of Abu Akleh killing
2 years, 7 months ago

Blinken: US wants ‘independent’ probe of Abu Akleh killing

Al Jazeera  

Top US diplomat calls for ‘independent’ probe, but stresses that facts regarding killing have not been ‘established’. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has promised to pursue accountability for the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh wherever facts lead, calling for an “independent” probe into the incident. Al Jazeera Media Network said shortly after the incident last month …

Lebanese general was in Syria over missing American reporter
4 years, 1 month ago

Lebanese general was in Syria over missing American reporter

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A top Lebanese security …

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