US ends $10 million bounty on HTS leader as Syria enters new chapter

The United States has officially withdrawn its $10 million “Rewards for Justice” bounty on Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This move, announced on Friday, marks a pivotal shift in US policy as Syria enters a new political era.

Barbara Leaf, the US assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, confirmed the decision after meeting with HTS officials in Damascus. “I told him [Ahmed al-Sharaa] we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer that has been in effect for some years,” Leaf stated.

Describing their discussion as “good” and “thorough,” Leaf emphasized al-Sharaa’s focus on Syria’s economic recovery. “I heard him on his priorities, which are very much rooted in getting Syria on the road to economic recovery,” she said, adding that the talks were “very productive” and that al-Jolani demonstrated a “pragmatic” approach.

Leaf acknowledged HTS’s changing rhetoric, noting, “We’ve been hearing some very pragmatic and moderate statements on various issues, from women’s rights to protection to equal rights for all communities.” However, she made it clear that the US would assess future engagement based on actions, not just words: “We will judge by deeds, not just by words.”

The discussions follow the dramatic collapse of the Baath Party regime earlier this month. On December 8, Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia as anti-regime forces, led by HTS fighters, captured Damascus, ending nearly 60 years of Baath Party rule.

Despite its designation as a terrorist organization by the US, UK, UN, and Türkiye, HTS has recently sought to rebrand itself as a politically inclusive entity. Al-Jolani has reportedly pledged to prevent terrorist groups from operating within or beyond Syria’s borders.

While reports suggest the UN and several countries are considering removing HTS from terrorist watch lists, no official confirmation has been made. Nevertheless, the US decision to halt the bounty underscores a cautious acknowledgment of Syria’s evolving political dynamics.

“It was a good first meeting,” Leaf said, reflecting on the talks. “We will judge by deeds, not just by words.”