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US Drops $10M Reward for Syria’s New Leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa
The US has dropped its $10M reward for the arrest of Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's new leader, after talks with Damascus. This follows al-Sharaa's pledge to prevent threats from “terrorist” groups.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-21
US Drops $10M Reward for Syria’s New Leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa

The United States has announced the cancellation of its $10 million reward for the arrest of Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This decision follows a visit by senior US diplomats to the Syrian capital, Damascus, marking the first such visit since the removal of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.

The visit, led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, focused on discussions with the new Syrian administration, which came to power after a successful offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group once affiliated with al-Qaeda. Despite HTS being designated as a terrorist organization by the US in 2018, the diplomatic talks have led to a decision to drop the reward for al-Sharaa’s arrest.

Leaf confirmed that the US has received "positive messages" from the new Syrian administration, including assurances to curb the influence of “terrorist” groups. These discussions also emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive, Syrian-led political process that respects the rights of all Syrian people, including women and minority groups.

The US decision to drop the reward is seen as a move to foster a more productive, secure Syria, which aligns with the interests of the US and regional partners. While the shift is not directly linked to any quid pro quo, the US also hopes to gain information on the whereabouts of several Americans missing in Syria, including journalist Austin Tice, who vanished near Damascus in 2012.

Meanwhile, the US military continues to target ISIS leadership in Syria, with a recent airstrike killing the ISIL leader Abu Yusif. The US has maintained its troop presence in Syria, continuing its mission to counter ISIS and prevent the group’s resurgence, with approximately 2,000 troops stationed in the country.

The change in policy toward Syria reflects broader shifts in US strategy in the region, as Western countries reconsider their stance on HTS and its leadership.
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Syria

MiddleEast

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AhmedalSharaa

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