US diplomats are in the Syrian capital Damascus, where they plan to meet with representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that is now in charge but which Washington still classifies as a terrorist organization.
The visit follows visits by delegations from the United Nations and other countries, including Britain, France and Germany, in recent days.
This is the first formal American diplomatic appearance in Damascus in more than a decade.
It is another sign of the dramatic changes taking place in Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime more than a week ago, and of the speed of efforts by the United States and Europe, which also leans on Arab countries, to try to influence the emerging governance.
The delegation of senior officials includes Deputy Secretary of State Barbara Leaf, Roger Carstens, US President Joe Biden’s hostage taker, and Daniel Rubinstein, senior adviser in the Office of Near East Affairs.
“They will speak directly to the Syrian people, including members of civil society, activists, members of diverse communities and other Syrian voices, about their vision for the future of their country and how the United States can support them,” a state said a department spokesman said in a statement.
They plan to meet with representatives of HTS to demonstrate their willingness to negotiate with the group, which the US still calls a terrorist organization, but to build pressure for a transition to an inclusive, non-sectarian government.
Washington effectively sets a series of conditions before considering delisting the group – a crucial step that could help pave the way for the sanctions relief Damascus desperately needs.
Officials are seeking more information to help find American journalist Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Damascus in 2012.
