Hadeel Al-Shalchi

The U.S. State Department says the diplomatic delegation discussed, quote, transition principles with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which makes up the interim Syrian government. It said they also discussed the importance of fighting against ISIS. HTS has roots in al-Qaeda and some factions that made up the rebel forces which toppled former President Bashar al-Assad had ties to ISIS.

The U.S. State Department says the diplomatic delegation discussed, quote, transition principles with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which makes up the interim Syrian government. It said they also discussed the importance of fighting against ISIS. HTS has roots in al-Qaeda and some factions that made up the rebel forces which toppled former President Bashar al-Assad had ties to ISIS.

HTS is a designated terrorist organization by the U.S. No additional information was given on what it would take for the U.S. to drop that designation. The State Department also said the delegation sought more information about the whereabouts of missing American journalist Austin Tice. Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Damascus.

HTS is a designated terrorist organization by the U.S. No additional information was given on what it would take for the U.S. to drop that designation. The State Department also said the delegation sought more information about the whereabouts of missing American journalist Austin Tice. Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Damascus.