U.S. Mulls Removing HTS from Terror List

(MENAFN) The United States revealed on Monday that it is contemplating the removal of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) faction from its terrorism list, in the wake of its decision to ease punitive measures on Syria following the Assad era.

As detailed in an official notice, the US State Department declared its intention to reassess the terrorist classification of HTS and potentially eliminate the Caesar Act restrictions on Syria.

This move aligns with instructions from US President Donald Trump.

In addition to reviewing the terror-related designations of HTS, the department will also reconsider the Specially Designated Global Terrorist label assigned to Syria’s leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, as well as Syria’s classification as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.

The evaluation will include looking into the possibility of additional sanction relief efforts through the United Nations.

“Today’s actions mark the beginning of a new chapter for the people of Syria as they work to shape a future that is safe, stable, and successful,” the declaration stated.

The White House also reported on Monday that Trump had authorized an executive decree to officially discontinue the American sanctions initiative against Syria.

Earlier in the day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed journalists that the decision was meant to facilitate Syria’s “path to stability and peace.”

Back in May, Trump disclosed at a business summit held in Riyadh that he intended to revoke what he described as the “brutal and crippling” restrictions on Syria.

Just one day later, he participated in a historic discussion with Sharaa in Saudi Arabia—marking the first direct engagement between American and Syrian leaders in a quarter of a century.

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