Blinken: US Engaged Directly with Syrian Rebel Groups
The discussions were focused on establishing the location of missing American journalist Austin Tice, as noted by Blinken.
According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday, the United States has established direct communication with Syrian rebel factions, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the leading power in Syria following the downfall of the long-standing Assad regime.
“Indeed, we have communicated with HTS and other groups,” Blinken stated at a press briefing in Jordan. He explained that these discussions are part of renewed initiatives to locate American journalist Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria 12 years ago.
Blinken refrained from sharing specific details regarding the timing of the contact, the level of engagement, or whether discussions extended beyond the search for Tice.
Tice traveled to Syria in May 2012, just before his final year at Georgetown, to report on the ongoing civil conflict. In August, Tice—who freelanced for CBS, The Washington Post, McClatchy, and various other outlets—went just south of Damascus to complete his last stories before intending to leave for Lebanon.
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On August 14, 2012, just three days prior to his 31st birthday, Tice was apprehended at a checkpoint after leaving the Damascus suburb of Darayya. At that time, the U.S. government stated that Tice had been captured by the Assad regime, which has continuously denied any involvement, asserting ignorance regarding his status.
As a result of a swift rebel offensive that recently overtook Damascus, Bashar al-Assad and his family, who governed Syria for half a century, have fled to Russia. This change has reignited optimism about the possibility of Tice being found alive, since rebel factions have begun releasing detainees from prisons nationwide, raising the hope that Tice may be among those freed.
“The United States remains committed to our relentless efforts to locate American journalist Austin Tice and ensure his safe return,” Blinken declared.
During Saturday’s press conference, Blinken was joined by foreign ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, who collectively announced a framework for engaging with any future Syrian government. They underscored the necessity for a “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned” political process that respects the rights of all citizens, including women and minorities.
The assembled leaders also emphasized a mutual responsibility to prevent Syria from becoming a sanctuary for terrorism.
“Syria must not serve as a base for terrorist groups or others posing threats to the Syrian populace, its neighbors, or the world at large,” the Secretary of State remarked.
“Our message to the Syrian people is clear: We wish for your success and stand ready to assist you in achieving it.”
