Washington: The Biden administration is actively seeking to engage with Syrian rebel factions that recently overthrew President Bashar al-Assad, initiating informal diplomacy through regional allies like Turkey.

During a State Department briefing, spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted ongoing U.S. efforts to communicate with various groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a faction designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and other global entities. "We have been in discussions over the past few days. The Secretary himself has held conversations with nations that wield influence in Syria and will continue to do so," Miller stated.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has maintained contact with key regional players, including Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, engaging in two calls within four days. Turkey, which has a military presence in northwest Syria and supports some rebel factions, considers HTS a terrorist entity but remains a pivotal interlocutor.

When asked about direct engagement with HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, Miller neither confirmed nor ruled out the possibility. "We believe we can communicate, directly or indirectly, with all relevant stakeholders," he said.

HTS, formerly aligned with al-Qaeda, has sought to rebrand itself over the years, managing a de facto administration in Syria's Idlib province. Despite this, its violent history, including suicide attacks under its previous guise as the Nusra Front, remains a concern.

The fall of Assad's regime represents a historic shift, ending over five decades of family rule and diminishing Iran and Russia's influence in the region. While President Joe Biden and his administration view the development as a significant opportunity for Syria, they also caution against the risks and uncertainties the country now faces.

For much of Biden's presidency, Syria policy had taken a backseat to global priorities like the war in Ukraine and the Gaza conflict. However, Assad’s ouster has reignited focus on the nation’s future.

As part of broader U.S. efforts, Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens is in Beirut to advance the search for Austin Tice, an American journalist captured in Syria 12 years ago. Meanwhile, officials emphasize caution, noting that while HTS has made conciliatory overtures, the group's long-term intentions remain unclear.