Canada Drops Syria and HTS From Terrorism Lists, Citing Stabilization Efforts

Summary

Canada has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and revoked the terrorist designation for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), aligning its policy with recent moves by the United States and the United Kingdom. The foreign ministry said the steps reflect decisions by allies and the transitional Syrian government's efforts to advance stability, build an inclusive future, and cooperate with international partners. The announcement came as Syria approaches the one-year anniversary of the toppling of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad.

The Canadian government said the decisions were not taken lightly and stressed it will maintain sanctions on 56 Syrian individuals, including former officials and members of the previous president's family. The change follows U.S. partial suspension of sanctions and prior moves to delist HTS to facilitate engagement with the new Syrian authorities led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda affiliate who has recast himself as a transitional leader seeking ties with the West and addressing the UN. as reported by Al Jazeera