US Blames Assad Regime for Conditions Leading to Major Attack in Syria

The White House released a statement on Sunday regarding the situation in Syria, blaming a recent offensive led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on the Assad regime's ongoing refusal to engage in a political process, along with its reliance on Russia and Iran.

According to the White House statement, the US has been closely monitoring the situation. It highlighted that President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has persistently rejected efforts to engage in a meaningful political process, thereby creating the volatile conditions that led to the attack. Additionally, the regime's reliance on foreign support from Russia and Iran has played a role in exacerbating the conflict.

In response to the attack, Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that its Air Force had carried out strikes on Syrian rebel positions in support of Assad’s forces. Despite this, the White House emphasized that the US has no involvement in the offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a designated terrorist organization.

The US also called for de-escalation in Syria, urging all parties to protect civilians and minority groups while advocating for a credible political process to end the civil war. This would include a settlement in line with UNSCR 2254, the UN resolution calling for a political transition in Syria.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the US's commitment to defending its personnel and military positions in Syria, which remain crucial in preventing the resurgence of ISIS.