Alwaght | News & Analysis Website

ALWAGHT- The US is removing the $10 million reward it had offered for the capture of the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants in Syria.

On Friday, US Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf announced that the US would be dropping the $10 million bounty on the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Ahmed Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. This decision came after a US delegation visited Damascus to meet with HTS officials, including Al-Sharaa, to discuss his past involvement with Al-Qaeda. Al-Sharaa, who was designated a terrorist by the US in 2017, was described by Leaf as a "pragmatic" leader, and the discussions reportedly yielded positive messages regarding the group's stance and actions.

During the meeting, Leaf emphasized the importance of preventing terrorist groups from posing a threat both within Syria and externally, particularly to the US and its regional partners. Following the talks, Leaf confirmed that the US would not pursue the "Rewards for Justice" offer that had been made for Al-Sharaa’s capture. This marked the first formal visit by US diplomats to Damascus since 2011, highlighting a shift in US-Syria relations after years of hostility and conflict.

Leaf's visit is also significant as it coincides with changing dynamics in the region. While HTS remains on Washington’s terror blacklist, Leaf suggested that the US was reevaluating its approach after her discussions with Al-Sharaa. She acknowledged that it would be contradictory to continue offering a bounty on his head following their meeting. The US had previously intensified sanctions on Syria and pushed for regime change, but now appears open to engaging with Syria’s new government under specific conditions.

Meanwhile, Al-Sharaa’s position on Israel has drawn attention, particularly his comments suggesting that Syria would not threaten Israel. This stance may be part of a broader strategy to gain Western recognition, including from the US. The US has also increased its military presence in northeastern Syria, with the Pentagon revealing that the number of troops in the area has been secretly doubled to 2,000. Despite HTS's role in the Syrian conflict and its history of violence, the shifting diplomatic and military landscape indicates potential changes in the US's long-standing policy towards Syria and its leaders.