Blinken confirmed contacts between the US and Syrian rebels who toppled the Assad regime.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reported that the US government has been in contact with rebels in Syria who have been fighting against President Bashar al-Assad's regime. He also emphasized that the US and its allies wish to help the Syrian people in creating their future.

Blinken confirmed that there have been direct contacts with the rebels, including with the group 'Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham'. He noted that all efforts were aimed at securing the release of American journalist Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012.

The Secretary of State also emphasized that terrorist groups, including 'ISIS', continue to operate in Syria. He noted that support from neighbors and the international community is needed to overcome these challenges.

It is worth noting that the group 'Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham' is considered a terrorist organization by many countries, including the US. However, the United States is considering the possibility of removing this group from the list of terrorist organizations. Blinken became the first American official to acknowledge contacts with the rebels.

Recall that 'Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham' was involved in the overthrow of Assad's regime in Syria and the group's leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani separated it from 'Al-Qaeda' and renamed it in 2016.