Blinken says US in contact with Syrian rebels
The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram|December 16, 2024
Secy of State refuses to divulge details but says he has conveyed the message to HTS that it is being watched
Blinken says US in contact with Syrian rebels

AMERICAN officials have been in direct contact with the terrorist-designated rebel group that led the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday.

Blinken, speaking at a news conference in Jordan, was the first US official to publicly confirm contacts between the Biden administration and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which led a coalition of armed opposition groups that drove Assad from power and into asylum in Russia last weekend.

Along with counterparts from eight Arab nations and Turkey and senior officials from the European Union and United Nations, Blinken signed off on a set of principles meant to guide Syria's transition to a peaceful, nonsectarian and inclusive country.

This story is from the December 16, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 16, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS THIRUVANANTHAPURAMView All
The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India to start 2 automotive steel units in 2025

ARCELORMITTAL Nippon Steel India, a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, is set to commission in 2025 two production lines dedicated to manufacturing advanced automotive steel products.

time-read
1 min  |
January 20, 2025
The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram

Love Affairs Key Reason for Kota Suicides: Minister

DAYS after another student suicide in Kota, Rajasthan's Education Minister Madan Dilawar made a rather curious and controversial statement.

time-read
1 min  |
January 20, 2025
The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram

Alcaraz sets up last eight date with Djokovic

ALEXANDER Zverev warned on Sunday he can \"do a lot of damage\" at the Australian Open but is wary of \"smart\" quarter-final opponent Tommy Paul.

time-read
1 min  |
January 20, 2025
The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram

From Sharada Braille to digi games, Zendalona sparks tech inclusivity

IN Kerala, the percentage of people with visual disability stands at around 0.1%. With inclusivity being a major factor discussed across all sectors in the state, Zendalona -- a non-governmental organisation founded by K Sathyaseelan and his son Nalin Sathyan -- strides towards making it a reality in the field of technology.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 20, 2025
The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram

Killed mother as punishment for giving birth, says youth

SHOCKING information has come to light in the primary investigation by the police into the incident in which a 25-year-old youth hacked his mother to death at a relative's house at Puthuppady near Thamarassery on Saturday.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 20, 2025
The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram

What Not To Expect Of Budget 2025

By the end of the week, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her second Budget in quick succession.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 20, 2025
The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram

Impeached prez Yoon formally arrested

HOURS after South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested, triggering rioting by his supporters, his lawyers said on Sunday that he remains defiant in his refusal to answer questions over the probe into his declaration of martial law last month.

time-read
1 min  |
January 20, 2025
The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram

Suspected Hooch Claims Six Lives in 'Dry' Bihar

AT least six people died allegedly after consuming spurious liquor in Bihar's West Champaran district during 36 hours on Sunday.

time-read
1 min  |
January 20, 2025
The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram

Gunfight Breaks Out in Baramulla, First This Year

A gunfight between security forces and terrorists broke out on Sunday in Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, the first encounter this year.

time-read
1 min  |
January 20, 2025
The New Indian Express Thiruvananthapuram

Fire at Maha Kumbh after cylinder blast guts 40 tents

A major fire broke out on Sunday in the Mahakumbh area of Prayagraj on Sunday, police said, adding that there was no report of any casualty.

time-read
1 min  |
January 20, 2025