U.S. Diplomats Arrived in Syria To Meet HTS Leader, First Visit Since Assad's Ouster

DAMASCUS, Syria — Top U.S. diplomats arrived in Damascus on Friday to meet with the new Syrian leadership, marking the first such visit since President Bashar Assad was ousted earlier this month.

The delegation, which includes Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, former special envoy for Syria Daniel Rubinstein, and the Biden administration's chief envoy for hostage negotiations, Roger Carstens, aims to engage directly with the Syrian people, including civil society members and activists, to discuss the country's future.

The diplomats will meet with representatives from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This rebel group spearheaded the offensive against Damascus, which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States. Discussions will include seeking information on missing Americans, notably journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012.

This visit comes as part of broader diplomatic efforts following Assad's departure, with global powers looking to influence the new political landscape in Syria while ensuring stability and addressing humanitarian issues.

The U.S. has not had a formal diplomatic presence in Syria since suspending operations at its embassy in Damascus in 2012 during the civil war. However, there have been U.S. forces and intelligence operations in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE