DAMASCUS, Dec 21 – The United States has removed a US$10 million (S$13.6 million) bounty on Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim leader, following a historic meeting in Damascus on Dec 20. The American delegation, led by Barbara Leaf, Washington’s top Middle East diplomat, cited the move as essential for engaging with Syria’s new government.
Ms. Leaf met with Mr. Sharaa, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group previously labeled a terrorist organization by Washington, marking the first US diplomatic visit to Damascus since Syria’s civil war began.
“Based on our discussions, the bounty on Mr. Sharaa’s head no longer aligns with our objectives,” Ms. Leaf said after the meeting, noting positive developments including Mr. Sharaa’s pledge to combat terrorism. “It’s incoherent to have a bounty while pursuing meaningful dialogue.”
The diplomatic encounter follows the Dec 8 ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by HTS forces in a swift offensive. Though rooted in Al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch, HTS has aimed to moderate its image in recent years.
Commitments to Fighting Terrorism
Ms. Leaf emphasized Washington’s demand for “clear action” from Syria’s interim leadership to eliminate threats from terrorist groups internally and abroad. “Ahmed Al-Sharaa committed to this,” she confirmed. The US delegation also engaged in efforts to locate American journalist Austin Tice, kidnapped in Syria more than a decade ago.
The talks were part of a broader international push involving Arab and European nations, Turkey, and the US to establish a representative and inclusive Syrian government.
Continued US Military Action
In tandem with the diplomatic overtures, the US military has intensified operations against ISIS. On Dec 20, American forces killed an ISIS leader and an operative in Deir Ezzor province, part of ongoing efforts to prevent the group’s resurgence.
Regional Pressures
Meanwhile, Turkey has reiterated demands to address “terrorist groups” in Syria, including Kurdish-led forces linked to the PKK. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged decisive action during a recent summit, signaling challenges ahead for the interim government.
Hope for Reconciliation
As Syrians celebrated Assad’s fall with fireworks and flag-waving in Damascus, international leaders, including UN migration chief Amy Pope, stressed the importance of rebuilding efforts. Pope called for empowering women and reassessing sanctions to restore stability to the war-ravaged nation.
With over 500,000 lives lost and millions displaced since the civil war began, the US pledged to hold those responsible for atrocities accountable. “We remain committed to supporting Syria’s transition toward peace,” Ms. Leaf concluded.