Washington and Its Allies Consider Removing Syrian HTS From Terrorist List
Search warrant issued by U.S. authorities against Abu Muhammad al-Julani, X/ @pueblopatriota
December 11, 2024 Hour: 11:01 am
This extremist group, which led the coalition that ousted President Al-Assad, has proven historical ties to Al-Qaeda.
On Tuesday, NBC News reported that a former senior U.S. official and two high-ranking officials indicated that President Joe Biden’s administration is considering removing the Organization for the Liberation of the Levant (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, HTS) from the list of terrorist organizations.
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This group, which led the coalition that ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has proven historical ties to Al-Qaeda. Removing the “terrorist” designation would allow the lifting of a search warrant issued against its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani, for whom the U.S. had offered a US$10 million reward.
Currently, the Biden administration is studying the legal steps necessary to revoke HTS’s terrorist designation while monitoring the progress of the proclaimed “Syrian Salvation Government,” which is set to lead an 18-month transitional government.
Previously, the Washington Post also reported that the Biden administration maintained contacts with terrorist groups involved in the Syrian conflict, facilitated through Türkiye. “U.S. officials are in contact with all groups involved in the fighting in Syria, including the main group that toppled Assad, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which was once affiliated with Al-Qaeda and remains on the U.S. terrorist list.”
Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that his country “will fully recognize and support the future Syrian government that emerges from this process.” The United Kingdom has made similar statements.
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said that it would be necessary to make a “quick decision” regarding the removal of the “terrorist” designation for the group governing Syria. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that it was still “too early” to consider a policy change.
Germany’s stance aligns with that of the United Kingdom. Sebastian Fischer, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities would determine whether HTS is distancing itself from its past.
In France, Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described HTS as “an Islamist movement” that must “demonstrate its genuine desire to free the transition from extremism, Islamism, and jihadism.” He also revealed that the French government would send an official to Damascus in the coming days.
teleSUR/ JF Sources: Al Mayadeen – Press TV – Sky News