The United States has lifted a $10 million bounty on Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), following its first official face-to-face meeting with HTS leadership in Damascus. The talks, held on Friday, mark a significant step in US engagement with Syria’s new de facto rulers after the recent fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

The US delegation, led by Barbara Leaf, the State Department’s top Middle East diplomat, along with Roger Carstens and Daniel Rubinstein, discussed Syria’s political future and efforts to combat Islamic State (IS). Leaf described the meeting with Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, as “productive,” emphasizing that the bounty’s removal aligns with Washington’s new policy of direct dialogue with HTS. Sharaa assured the US that HTS would not allow IS or other extremist groups to operate in its territories.

The discussions also focused on Syria’s Kurdish forces, particularly the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have played a key role in defeating IS. Turkey, a US NATO ally, has called for an end to support for the SDF, which it considers linked to the PKK, a designated terrorist group. Leaf stated the US is working toward a compromise to reduce tensions in northern Syria while maintaining the SDF’s role in counter-IS operations.

In addition to political and security issues, the US raised the cases of missing American citizens, including journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012. Carstens confirmed investigations are ongoing, with several potential detention sites identified.

While HTS remains a designated terrorist group, Western nations are cautiously opening communication channels as HTS consolidates control. The US delegation emphasized principles such as inclusivity, minority rights, and political reforms as part of Syria’s transition.