US dismisses allegations of involvement in HTS offensive in Syria

The United States has categorically denied any role in the recent offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, reiterating its stance against the group.

White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett clarified the U.S. position, stating, “The United States is not involved in the attack led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is a terrorist organization.”

Savett added that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and has been in communication with regional allies over the past 48 hours. “The United States, along with its partners and allies, urges de-escalation and the protection of civilians and minorities,” he said.

He also emphasized the necessity of a political resolution to Syria’s ongoing conflict. “We will continue to fully defend and protect American personnel and military sites, which remain essential to ensure that ISIS cannot re-emerge in Syria.”

The statement comes amid accusations from Iran, whose Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described recent armed movements in Syria as part of a “Zionist-American plan” to destabilize the region. During a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Araghchi accused the West of supporting extremist factions to undermine Syria’s stability. According to IRNA, Lavrov and Araghchi reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Russia has also weighed in with military action, announcing airstrikes against armed factions in Syria, including HTS. Moscow reported that these strikes targeted command centers, artillery positions, and militant camps, resulting in approximately 300 fatalities among the insurgents.

HTS, formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda and known as Jabhat al-Nusra, has launched a large-scale offensive in Aleppo over the past week, seizing significant territory from government forces. Although HTS has attempted to rebrand itself, claiming to focus on governance in opposition-held territories, its reputation remains controversial. Both the U.S. and the U.N. continue to list the group as a terrorist organization.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to distance the group from its extremist origins, but critics argue that its operations and governance tactics still align with militant agendas. As the conflict escalates, regional and international powers appear locked in a struggle to influence Syria’s turbulent future.