U.S. Removes $10 Million Bounty on Syria’s New Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa

The United States has removed the $10 million bounty on Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammad al-Julani), following a meeting in Damascus between U.S. diplomat Barbara Leaf and al-Sharaa. During the meeting, al-Sharaa pledged to prevent terrorist activities, leading the U.S. to lift the reward. The U.S. emphasized that while Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) remains designated as a terrorist organization, sanctions could be eased if they take steps toward establishing an inclusive government and addressing threats from terrorist groups. The meeting also sought information on missing American journalist Austin Tice. This move signals the U.S.’s interest in Syria’s political transition and its willingness to engage with the country’s new leadership.