Britain has had ‘diplomatic contact’ with Syria’s HTS group

Sun Dec 15 18:53:00 UTC 2024: ## UK Confirms Diplomatic Contact with Syrian Rebel Group After Assad’s Ouster

**London, December 16, 2024** – The United Kingdom has acknowledged engaging in diplomatic contact with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, the rebel force that ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last week. British Foreign Minister David Lammy confirmed the contact on Sunday, stating that while HTS remains a proscribed organization, diplomatic engagement is necessary. Lammy indicated that the UK utilizes both diplomatic and intelligence-led channels to interact with HTS. This confirmation follows a similar announcement from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday, who also revealed direct contact with the group. The news comes amidst reports of widespread unrest and smoke billowing near Damascus following Assad’s removal from power.