Washington [US]: The United States has announced the withdrawal of a $10 million reward for the capture of Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new leader of Syria and head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, according to Al Jazeera. The decision followed discussions in Damascus, marking a rare visit by US officials to Syria after President Bashar al-Assad was ousted earlier this month.
Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, revealed the development after meeting with al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, and other officials in Syria’s transitional administration.
“Based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer that has been in effect for some years,” Leaf said.
Shift in US Policy Toward Syria
The talks in Damascus signal a notable shift in US diplomatic efforts. HTS, designated a terrorist organization by the US in 2018 due to its ties with al-Qaeda, led the offensive that removed Assad from power. While the US has not lifted HTS’s designation, the decision to drop the reward underscores a cautious approach to fostering stability in Syria’s transitional phase.
Leaf emphasized the importance of an inclusive political process, saying,
“We fully support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that results in an inclusive and representative government which respects the rights of all Syrians, including women, and Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.”
Focus on Humanitarian and Security Concerns
During the discussions, HTS reportedly assured the US that it would prevent terrorist threats and expressed willingness to assist in resolving cases of missing Americans, including journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in 2012 near Damascus.
“Again, not a quid pro quo, but a chance for the Americans and the Syrians to really talk about how they can work together in the weeks and months ahead,” noted Al Jazeera’s Rosiland Jordan.
Military and Counterterrorism Operations
The US military continues its operations in Syria, targeting ISIL (ISIS) remnants. On Friday, a US airstrike in Deir ez-Zor killed an ISIL leader, Abu Yusif. CENTCOM commander Erik Kurilla reaffirmed the US commitment to preventing ISIL’s resurgence, stating,
“The United States — working with allies and partners in the region — will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria and reconstitute.”
Despite the evolving political dynamics, the Pentagon maintains approximately 2,000 troops in Syria, with no immediate plans for withdrawal. The focus remains on deterring ISIL threats and ensuring regional stability.
Balancing Diplomacy and Counterterrorism
Barbara Leaf’s visit underscores a potential turning point in US-Syrian relations, as Washington navigates the complex balance between counterterrorism objectives and supporting a stable political transition in Syria.