UN Envoy Advocates for Lifting Sanctions on HTS
The United Nations special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has expressed support for lifting sanctions on the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has been involved in the offensive against the Assad regime. Pedersen's comments came during his visit to Damascus, where he met with Syria's new interim government. HTS, previously known as the Nusra Front and linked to al-Qaeda, has been on the UN sanctions list since 2014. For HTS to be removed from this list, a proposal must be made by a member of the UN Security Council.
Pedersen emphasized the need for “justice and accountability for crimes” as Syria transitions into a new chapter following the fall of the Assad regime. He noted that while the changes in the country bring hope, significant challenges remain ahead. His visit follows recent statements by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who confirmed direct contact with HTS, highlighting the group's de facto control over parts of Syria.
Clashes in Assad's Stronghold
In a related development, at least four fighters from the pro-Turkish Islamist faction Faylaq al-Cham were killed in an ambush on the Syrian coast, a stronghold of the former president Bashar al-Assad. The ambush occurred near Latakia, where clashes erupted between Faylaq al-Cham fighters and individuals loyal to the Assad regime who were reportedly engaged in looting abandoned military sites. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the ambush was near a villa owned by Wassim al-Assad, a known associate of the former president.
The ruling coalition in Damascus has since dispatched reinforcements to Latakia, Tartus, and Jableh, cities that are significant to the Alawite minority. The coalition has also urged residents to report any incidents of looting or violence, establishing a toll-free number for the public to communicate with the new authorities. They have called for the return of any seized public property within a week, emphasizing the need for order in the region.
Implications for Syria's Future
The recent developments in Syria, including the UN envoy's support for HTS and the violent clashes on the coast, signal a complex and evolving political landscape. As the interim government seeks to establish control and address public concerns, the situation remains precarious. The lifting of sanctions on HTS could lead to shifts in power dynamics, while ongoing violence underscores the challenges that lie ahead for the new authorities in restoring stability and governance in a post-Assad Syria.
