WASHINGTON: The US removed a $10 million bounty on Syria’s de-facto leader following diplomatic talks Friday in Damascus.
Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State, stated the decision supports combating terrorism and addressing urgent regional challenges.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), pledged cooperation during the landmark meeting.
Focus on ISIS Prevention
Officials emphasized preventing ISIS from regaining strength after Syria’s recent regime collapse and ensuing security challenges.
The US stressed commitments to human rights and inclusivity during Syria’s government transition after years of oppressive leadership.
Leaf described al-Sharaa as pragmatic, emphasizing actions would determine credibility moving forward.
Journalist Search Efforts
The US delegation also sought progress on finding Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for over a decade.
Special Envoy Roger Carstens revealed targeted searches in six specific facilities with evidence possibly linked to Tice.
Resources remain limited, but collaborative efforts involve partners, NGOs, and media organizations contributing critical investigative insights.
Future Search Expansion
Search plans include additional potential facilities, potentially numbering 20 or more, depending on further gathered information.
Carstens highlighted the FBI’s unique expertise for evidence gathering as essential to ongoing investigations on-site.
Cooperation with interim Syrian authorities has proved helpful in advancing these searches significantly.
