Canada removes Syria from list of states supporting terrorism

Canada has removed Syria from its list of states that support terrorism, citing a similar move by the United States and the efforts of Syria’s transitional government to restore stability in the country, according to Al Jazeera.

The announcement comes as Syria prepares to mark one year since the toppling of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.

Canada’s foreign ministry also confirmed it was revoking the “terrorist” designation for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that played a leading role in the alliance that helped remove al-Assad.

“These measures are not taken lightly,” the ministry said. “They align with recent decisions taken by our allies, including the United Kingdom and the United States, and follow the efforts of the Syrian transitional government to advance Syria’s stability, build an inclusive and secure future for its citizens, and work with global partners to reinforce regional stability and counter terrorism.”

Syria was first listed by Canada as a state sponsor of terrorism in 2012, after al-Assad’s violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests triggered civil war. HTS had previously faced international sanctions due to its links with al-Qaeda, though several Western states have since removed the designation to allow closer collaboration with the new Syrian authorities.

Since taking power, Syria’s new leaders have sought to distance themselves from the country’s violent past and present a more moderate image to both Syrians and the international community.

The foreign ministry noted that sanctions remain in place for 56 Syrian individuals, including former officials from al-Assad’s government and members of the deposed president’s family.

The US partially suspended sanctions against Syria in June, extending the suspension in November following talks between Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and President Donald Trump at the White House. Days before the meeting, Washington also removed al-Sharaa from its list of “specially designated global terrorists”.

By Aghakazim Guliyev