The United States has withdrawn its $10 million reward for the capture of Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), following high-level talks in Damascus. This move came after the first significant discussions since the removal of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.
Barbara Leaf, the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, confirmed the decision on Friday after meeting with al-Sharaa, describing the talks as “positive” and constructive. She emphasized that the discussions had led to assurances from al-Sharaa about preventing terrorist activities.
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Leaf also highlighted the importance of an inclusive political transition in Syria, urging the new leadership to represent all communities. Despite the removal of the bounty, the US has not fully normalized relations with HTS, although this marks a shift in Washington’s policy.
The US delegation, which included officials such as Daniel Rubinstein and Roger Carstens, also discussed the issue of missing Americans, including journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in 2012. HTS reportedly expressed willingness to assist in locating Tice and other missing persons.
Meanwhile, the US military remains focused on countering ISIL (ISIS) remnants in Syria, with CENTCOM announcing the death of ISIL leader Abu Yusif in an airstrike in Deir ez-Zor. The US continues to maintain a military presence in Syria, with 2,000 troops still deployed to prevent ISIS’s resurgence.
