The US has long partnered with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces for anti-ISIS operations in Syria. The SDF has maintained contact with the rebel group known as HTS, the US official said, but the US does not communicate with HTS because it is considered a terrorist organization.
HTS does not appear to have the overt support of Assad adversary Turkey, but US officials believe Turkey gave the group a green light to launch its operation.
One significant concern the administration has is the safety of Assad’s stockpile of chemical weapons, thought to include both chlorine and sarin, which Assad has infamously used in rebel areas to the horror of the international community.
It is unclear where Assad would flee to, US officials said. His patrons could offer refuge in Moscow or Tehran, and it remains to be seen whether the rebels will set their sights on Latakia, an enclave of the Alawite sect to which Assad belongs.
The potential fall of the regime in Syria comes at a critical time in the United States as President Joe Biden prepares to hand over power to President-elect Donald Trump.
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What are the potential geopolitical risks and benefits for the US of maintaining contact with HTS?
## HTS: A Terrorist Group, or Tangled Ally?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving into the complicated world of the Syrian conflict and the role of HTS, a rebel group designated as a terrorist organization by the US and Turkey. Joining me today is Dr. Emily Carter, a Middle East expert and author of “Syrian Labyrinth: A Guide to the Post-Arab Spring Conflict”. Dr. Carter, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Carter:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** This news has been making headlines, that the US-backed SDF has been in contact with HTS. How do you explain this, given the US’ stated position on HTS as a terrorist group?
**Dr. Carter:** This is indeed a complex situation. While the US officially considers HTS a terrorist organization and doesn’t engage with them directly, the murky reality on the ground in Syria often necessitates pragmatic alliances. The SDF, while allied with the US against ISIS, also faces threats from other factions in Syria, including possibly from ISIS resurgence. Maintaining some level of contact with HTS, even indirectly, might be seen as a necessary evil to navigate these complexities and gather intelligence.
**Host:** How has Turkey’s stance on HTS evolved? We know Turkey has designated HTS as a terrorist organization, but there are whispers of tacit approval or even support for the group.
**Dr. Carter:** You’re right. While Turkey officially labels HTS as a terrorist organization [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tahrir_al-Sham)], their actions on the ground have been less clear cut. There’s been strong evidence suggesting Turkey turned a blind eye to HTS operations in Idlib, and even provided them with some support, possibly to counter other factions hostile to Turkey’s interests in the region.
**Host:** This seems to point towards a very tangled web of alliances and rivalries in Syria. What are the potential consequences of the US and Kurdish forces maintaining contact with HTS?
**Dr. Carter:** This situation is incredibly delicate. While contact might be strategically useful in the short term, it risks legitimizing HTS and destabilizing the wider region. It could also complicate the US relationship with Turkey, who demonstrably see HTS as a threat.
**Host:** We’ll certainly be watching this situation closely. Dr. Carter, thank you so much for shedding light on this issue.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure. It’s a crucial conversation to have.
