US to Remove $10 Million Bounty on Syrian Rebel Leader Amid Talks with HTS

The United States has decided to eliminate the $10 million bounty on Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, prominent figure and the head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that challenged Bashar Assad's regime in Syria. This decision follows dialogue between US representatives and Jolani, who is now utilizing his original name, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Barbara Leaf, serving as the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, disclosed this decision during an internet briefing, which centered on the diplomatic journey to Damascus for discussions with Jolani. Leaf noted the US side received encouraging signals from Jolani, who assured them that extremist factions would not be permitted to become a menace in Syria.

Upon questions for additional details about the rationale behind lifting the bounty, Leaf termed it a 'policy choice' that corresponds with the initiation of conversations with HTS. "It would seem contradictory," she remarked, "to have a bounty on someone while engaging in regional dialogue."

Origins and Transformation of HTS

HTS, recognized as a terrorist entity by both the US and the UN, was initially linked to Al Qaeda. Jolani officially severed his association with Al Qaeda in 2016, subsequently forming HTS in 2017. For years, Jolani has endeavored to present himself as a moderate figure to Western nations, dismissing the terrorist label on his group as misleading and unsubstantiated.

Leaf emphasized that future judgments will be based on actions rather than rhetoric, although she acknowledged Jolani's 'pragmatic' disposition. His previous statements have reflected moderate views, addressing topics like women's and community rights.

Continued Search for Austin Tice

During the Damascus visit, the US delegation, which included Roger Carstens, the special envoy dedicated to hostage matters, took the opportunity to follow up on Austin Tice. Tice, a journalist from America, vanished while in Syria back in 2012.

Carstens articulated that while they've received 'numerous pieces of information,' confirming Tice's current status, whether he is alive or not, remains unresolved. 'The essential takeaway,' he noted, 'is that we lack definitive verification at this moment.'