US ends $10 million bounty on HTS leader following Syria political shift
Abu Mohamed al-Jolani, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist group led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch, speaks during a press conference in the area of Bab al Hawa crossing northern Syria late on March 12, 2024. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP) (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images)
The United States announced a major policy shift, stating it will no longer pursue the $10 million “Rewards for Justice” bounty on Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The decision marks a significant change in Washington’s stance on Syria’s evolving political dynamics.
Barbara Leaf, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, revealed the decision after meeting HTS officials in Damascus.
“I told him [al-Sharaa] we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer that has been in effect for some years,” said Leaf.
The meeting, described as “productive and detailed,” touched on regional issues and Syria’s domestic challenges. Leaf noted al-Sharaa’s priorities are rooted in Syria’s economic recovery and praised his “pragmatic” approach.
HTS, previously designated a terrorist organization by the US and other nations, has been working to rebrand itself as a more inclusive political entity.
Leaf acknowledged the group’s evolving rhetoric, particularly on women’s rights and community protection, but stressed that future engagement would depend on tangible actions.
This development follows the fall of the Baath Party regime, with anti-regime forces, led by HTS fighters, capturing Damascus on December 8. Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, ending nearly 60 years of Baathist rule.
Reports indicate that the UN and other nations are considering removing HTS from terrorist lists, though no official decisions have been made.
