US scraps $10m bounty for Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa after 'productive talks'

US officials meet Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus

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The United States has removed its $10 million bounty for the arrest of Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, following productive diplomatic talks with representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s government in a surprise move earlier this month.

Barbara Leaf, the US Assistant Secretary of State, described the discussions with Sharaa as "very productive" and praised him as "pragmatic".

The US delegation, which included senior officials such as hostage envoy Roger Carstens, arrived in Damascus after HTS seized control of the capital, marking a significant shift in Syria’s political landscape.

Although Washington still classifies HTS as a terrorist organisation, the talks centred on "transition principles" and the need for collaboration against Daesh.

A spokesperson for the US State Department confirmed that the delegation also sought information on missing American citizens, including journalist Austin Tice and psychotherapist Majd Kamalmaz, who disappeared under the Assad regime.

This marks the first formal US diplomatic visit to Damascus in over a decade and is seen as part of broader efforts by the US, European countries, and Arab nations to influence Syria's evolving governance post-Assad.

During the visit, the US delegation also met with civil society groups and various Syrian communities to hear their perspectives on the country’s future and to discuss US support in the transition.

The US is pressing for HTS to transition into an inclusive, non-sectarian government, setting conditions that could pave the way for lifting sanctions.

Meanwhile, the US confirmed an airstrike in Deir al-Zour province that killed Daesh leader Abu Yusif and two operatives. US Central Command (CENTCOM) reaffirmed its commitment to preventing IS from regaining strength in Syria.

The diplomatic moves highlight the rapidly changing dynamics in Syria, with the US adapting its approach following the collapse of Assad’s regime.

The bounty of $10 million was placed on Ahmed al-Shara, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, by the US government in 2013 due to his leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was designated as a terrorist organisation by the US.

The US government offered the reward for his capture because of his group's historical links to Al-Qaeda and their involvement Daesh.

Although al-Jolani's group later distanced itself from both terrorsist groups and focused on governance in Syria, it continued to be viewed as a terrorist organisation by the US, which led to the bounty being placed on his head.