US Engages with Rebels in Syria, Urges Preparation for Emergency Situations
US Engages with Rebels in Syria, Urges Preparation for Emergency Situations
The US is in contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels in Syria** despite designating them as terrorists in 2018. The US, Turkey, EU, and Arab countries support a united, peaceful Syria and call for a Syrian-led transition to a representative government with respect for human rights. The UAE cautions against trusting HTS's talk of unity. The US Embassy in Damascus advises US citizens to prepare for emergency situations and be ready to shelter in place. The eventual shape of US-Syrian relations remains unclear, with the US government unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to US citizens in Syria.