The United States has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a designation that had been in place since 1979 and imposed significant restrictions on the country’s economic and international activities.
The US Department of State also revoked the designation of al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organisation.
The US Treasury Department said the measures are intended to support additional investment in Syria and promote political and economic stability. Treasury described the move as part of President Donald Trump’s commitment to providing sanctions relief to the country.
However, the Treasury Department stressed that the decision does not change the US government’s broader approach to combating terrorism and that individuals and groups considered harmful or destabilising in Syria could still face sanctions.
The decision follows major political changes in Syria, including the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government and the emergence of Ahmed al-Sharaa as the country’s new leader.
HTS, formerly known as al-Nusrah Front, was previously affiliated with al-Qaeda before breaking ties with the organisation in 2016 and attempting to reposition itself within Syria’s political and military landscape.
The removal of Syria from the terrorism list is expected to make it easier for the country to attract investment and participate more fully in international economic activities as it seeks to rebuild after years of conflict.
Despite the policy shift, the US continues to advise its citizens against travelling to Syria, citing ongoing risks including terrorism, kidnapping, unrest and armed conflict.