Blinken: HTS Took Advantage of the Situation
Forex - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated regarding the attacks by opposition forces in Syria, “The attacks carried out by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria demonstrate that Assad's key supporters and allies are distracted due to their own issues. It seems that HTS has taken advantage of this situation.”
After the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels, Blinken held a press conference where he expressed satisfaction with the distribution of military assistance to Ukraine among the U.S. and NATO allies, stating, “Allies are increasing the amount of their support. The U.S. has provided a total of $102 billion in aid to Ukraine. Our partners have contributed $158 billion. This is the best example of financial burden sharing I have seen in my 30-year career.”
Blinken emphasized that the current U.S. administration aims to further increase military support for Ukraine, strengthening its air defense, artillery systems, and armored vehicle capabilities. He highlighted that they intend to use each cent of the $61 billion fund approved by the U.S. Congress for Ukraine.
Evaluating recent developments in Syria, Blinken indicated, “I believe the attacks carried out by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) demonstrate that Assad's key supporters and allies, whether they are Russia, Hezbollah, or Iran, are distracted for various reasons. It seems HTS has taken advantage of this situation. The most critical thing right now is to ensure a reduction in tensions, protect civilians across Syria, and perhaps most importantly, facilitate the progress of a political process under the UN Security Council resolution. This process is necessary to resolve and end the civil war in Syria.”
Regarding Syrian President Assad's approach, Blinken mentioned, “Assad's refusal to participate in any political process is another factor that opens the door to this attack and HTS's gains on the ground. We have enduring security interests in Syria, particularly in preventing the resurgence of ISIS.”
Reiterating the importance of U.S. presence in Syria to prevent a resurgence of ISIS, Blinken said, “There are many foreign terrorist fighters and their families in camps in Syria. We have made intense efforts for these individuals to be sent back to their countries, but thousands still remain in camps. We do not want these foreign fighters to resurface.”
Blinken emphasized that the U.S. continues to assess its interests in Syria and what can be done to support those interests, stating, “However, the priority is to reduce tensions, protect civilians, and if Assad has any sensitivity for the future of the country, he must be made to participate in the political process to end the civil war.”
On questions regarding ceasefire violations between Lebanon and Israel, Blinken noted that the ceasefire in Lebanon was achieved as a result of intensive diplomacy and that violations are monitored through a mechanism established in conjunction with France. He explained, “When one party violates the ceasefire or such a claim arises, the issue comes to us, and we communicate with the parties in some way. This mechanism is currently functioning. The ceasefire continues, and we activate the established mechanism whenever any violation claims are made.” Blinken added, “Basically, both the Israeli and Lebanese governments wanted the ceasefire, and they continue to do so through Hezbollah.”
Assessing the declaration of martial law in South Korea and subsequent developments, Blinken remarked that South Korea is one of America's closest allies and that they are closely monitoring the situation there. He welcomed President Yoon Suk-yeol’s decision to retract the martial law and the parliamentary vote against it, stating, “The President has taken the necessary steps in accordance with this decision. In our assessment, political disagreements should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.”
Blinken highlighted that South Korea is a success story, expressing expectations that the country will continue to exemplify the rise and resilience of democracy.