The Pentagon announced the US currently has “approximately 2,000” troops in Syria, more than double the previously disclosed number of 900, a Defense Department spokesperson said at a press briefing on Thursday.
A senior US diplomat told Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Friday that Washington was scrapping a reward for his arrest, and welcomed "positive messages" from their talks including a promise to fight terrorism.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been on perhaps his last Middle East diplomatic mission as America’s top diplomat this week.
Ms Barbara Leaf, the US diplomat for the Middle East, says the talks with the new Syrian leader were positive. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said the United States was communicating directly with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the dominant rebel faction, despite its designation as a terrorist group.
Western and Arab states along with Turkey jointly voiced support for a united, peaceful Syria. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Top diplomats from the United States, the Arab League and Turkey have met in Jordan to discuss Syria’s transition after the fall of Bashar Assad's government last weekend.
In Jordan to meet regional counterparts, US top diplomat doesn't go into detail about contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebel group that ousted Assad
The United States has made "direct contact" with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels despite designating the group as terrorists, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday, as he
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi affirmed Saturday Amman’s support for Syria during its rebuilding phase after years of killing, destruction and displacement. Safadi condemned Israel's incursions into Syria, warning that they would "will only complicate matters."
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. government is communicating with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which remains on a State Department terrorism list.