The US State Department explained that negotiating with an individual on a US wanted terrorist list would be counterproductive.
Following a Friday meeting in Damascus between a US delegation and the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the US has rescinded the $10 million reward for information leading to the capture of Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani.
Earlier this month, a surprise offensive by Syrian opposition forces led by HTS resulted in the capture of several major cities, including Damascus, leading to the resignation of Syrian President Bashar Assad and his subsequent asylum in Russia.
As part of increased diplomatic engagement with Syria’s new leadership, US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf led the first US diplomatic visit to Syria since 2012, when the US embassy in Damascus closed.
Leaf’s discussions with al-Sharaa covered counterterrorism efforts within Syria and the protection of minority and women’s rights.
“We also discussed the vital need to prevent terrorist groups from posing a threat within Syria or internationally,” Leaf stated during a phone briefing from Jordan. “Following our conversation, I informed him that the Rewards for Justice offer would be withdrawn.”
While HTS remains designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US, and sanctions remain in place, Leaf clarified that the bounty withdrawal signifies a policy change aimed at facilitating engagement.
“Meeting with the HTS leader for extensive discussions while offering a reward for his capture is illogical,” she noted. “Otherwise, I would have to request the FBI’s involvement.”
The US delegation, which also included Roger Carstens, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and Daniel Rubinstein, a senior advisor for relations with the new Syrian forces, addressed the case of missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012.
This week, the US military disclosed that it had doubled its troop presence in Syria to approximately 2,000 before Assad’s fall to counter the threat of Islamic State (IS) exploitation. On Thursday, the Pentagon conducted airstrikes in northeastern Syria, reportedly killing a senior IS leader.
Although immediate reopening of the US embassy in Damascus isn’t planned, Leaf indicated that future diplomatic recognition hinges on the actions of Syria’s new authorities.