After Nearly 50 Years, US Removes Syria From Terrorism List

The United States (US) has removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, ending nearly five decades of the country’s designation as a sponsor of terrorism.

The latest development is seen as a major shift in Washington’s relationship with Damascus following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad and the emergence of a new transitional government led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

US Department of the Treasury announced the decision on Monday, August 24, saying Syria would no longer be subject to restrictions imposed under the Terrorism List Governments Sanctions Regulations.

“The determination regarding Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism was rescinded,” the Treasury said.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision was expected to create room for more investment and help the country achieve greater political and economic stability.

“Today’s action will help foster additional investment in Syria to promote political and economic stability,” Bessent said.

The decision was welcomed by Syrian Finance Minister Muhammad Yasser Bernia, who described it as a major breakthrough for the country.

Bernia called the development a “major and historic success for Syrian diplomacy.”

He said the decision would help reconnect Syria with the international economic and financial system, while opening the door to foreign investment and modern technologies.

“This represents a significant and final step in strengthening Syria’s connection to the global economic and financial system, attracting modern investments and technologies, and supporting development opportunities,” he said.

Alongside the removal of Syria from the terrorism list, Washington also announced that Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, HTS, had been removed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organisation from its Specially Designated Nationals list.

HTS was a major force in the armed campaign that eventually brought down Assad.

The group and other Syrian rebel factions launched what they called Operation “Deterrence of Aggression” on November 27, 2024.

The offensive lasted 12 days and resulted in the capture of Damascus, bringing an end to Assad’s 24-year rule.

Following Assad’s removal, HTS and affiliated groups were dissolved, while members of the movement became part of the new administration.

Sharaa subsequently emerged as Syria’s interim president.

The latest decision is part of a series of steps taken by Washington to improve relations with Syria’s new leadership.

In November, the US removed Sharaa from its list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists ahead of his visit to the White House.

Syria also joined the international coalition fighting ISIS, becoming the 90th partner in the coalition.

Washington had earlier suspended key sanctions under the Caesar Act, which had targeted the Syrian government and individuals and businesses dealing with Damascus.

The sanctions had severely restricted Syria’s access to the global economy.

The Caesar Act was introduced during Assad’s rule, while Syria had remained on the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list since the administration of his father, Hafez al-Assad.

Despite the growing support for Sharaa’s government from the US and other Western countries, concerns remain over his past and his plans for Syria.

Critics have questioned his push for a centralized government and raised concerns about the possible marginalization of minority groups.

According Naija News report clam by Sharaa also has a long history with jihadist groups. Before becoming Syria’s interim president, he was widely known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani.

He joined al-Qaeda in Iraq in 2003, shortly before the US-led invasion of the country, and later rose through the ranks of the organization.

US forces arrested him in Iraq in 2006, and he spent more than five years in prison.

After his release in 2011, amid the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, he established Jabhat al-Nusra, a jihadist group affiliated with al-Qaeda that fought against Assad’s government.

HTS was later formed in 2017 following the merger of several opposition factions.

Until December 2024, Sharaa had remained on the US most-wanted list, with a $10m bounty reportedly placed on his capture.

The US is not alone in changing its approach to Damascus. In 2025, the United Kingdom and Canada removed HTS from their respective terrorist organization lists and expressed willingness to work with Syria’s new government.