The US has made its first direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group now controlling Syria after the fall of the Assad regime, to discuss the case of missing American journalist Austin Tice, Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed.

Speaking in Jordan, Blinken joined talks with regional and international officials on Syria’s future, emphasizing the need for peaceful transition and inclusive governance.

While HTS, a group still designated as a terrorist organization, was absent from the talks, its leader has pledged tolerance, raising skepticism, the BBC has reported.

Syria faces challenges rebuilding after Assad’s 13-year rule, marked by civil war, foreign interventions, and deep divisions.

Written by B.C. Begley