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U.S. removes Syria’s former al-Qaeda affiliate HTS from terror list

By lauraharris // 2025-07-13

• The U.S. State Department removed Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, from its Foreign Terrorist Organizations list, citing its reported dissolution and Syria's renewed anti-terrorism stance.
• President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 30 lifting most U.S. sanctions on Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the rise of new leadership under Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former HTS member.
• The administration aims to promote Syrian stability and peace through diplomatic and economic engagement, while maintaining pressure on Assad loyalists, ISIS and Iranian proxies.
• The executive order directs a review of Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and re-evaluates the individual terrorist designations of HTS and Sharaa.
• The Trump administration framed the moves as a chance for Syria to rebuild and stabilize, while emphasizing continued U.S. vigilance on key security issues, including terrorism and regional alliances.

The U.S. Department of State has officially removed Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian militant group formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, from its list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), citing the group's reported dissolution and Syria's renewed commitment to combat terrorism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision in a memo dated June 23 and published in the Federal Register on July 7. The revocation of the FTO designation took effect today, July 8. "In consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury, I hereby revoke the designation of al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (and other aliases) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization," Rubio wrote, referencing section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. HTS, formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra or al-Nusra Front, was designated as an FTO by the U.S. in May 2018 due to its ties to al-Qaeda and involvement in the Syrian civil war. The Department of State dismissed the group's attempts at rebranding at the time, with then-Counterterrorism Coordinator Nathan Sales asserting, "Whatever name Nusrah chooses, we will continue to deny it the resources it seeks to further its violent cause." (Related: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, once linked to al-Qaeda, now considered for DELISTING as terrorist group.) In a statement accompanying the revocation, Rubio said the decision reflects a shift in the situation on the ground in Syria. "Tomorrow's action follows the announced dissolution of HTS and the Syrian government's commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms," he said. "This FTO revocation is an important step in fulfilling President [Donald] Trump's vision of a stable, unified and peaceful Syria."

Trump wants to give Syria a chance to achieve "stability and peace"

The delisting of HTS comes as part of a renewed push to give Syria a chance at "stability and peace." On June 30, Trump signed an executive order to formally lift most sanctions on Syria following the ouster of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad and the rise of a new government led by former militant leader Ahmad al-Sharaa. The executive order permits the relaxation of export controls and foreign assistance restrictions, directs the State Department to review Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, calls for a reevaluation of HTS's and Sharaa's individual designations as Specially Designated Global Terrorists and encourages exploring sanctions relief at the United Nations. "This is in an effort to promote and support the country's path to stability and peace," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said before the signing ceremony. "He's committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified and at peace with itself and its neighbors." However, the White House also emphasized that the policy does not extend to all actors within Syria. Sanctions remain in place on Assad himself, his inner circle, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, individuals linked to chemical weapons, ISIS members and Iranian proxies. "President Trump wants Syria to succeed – but not at the expense of U.S. interests. While seeking to reengage constructively, this Administration will continue to guard against all threats and monitor progress on key priorities: taking concrete steps toward normalizing ties with Israel, addressing foreign terrorists, deporting Palestinian terrorists and banning Palestinian terrorist groups, helping the United States prevent a resurgence of ISIS and assuming responsibility for ISIS detention centers in northeast Syria," the White House wrote in its fact sheet. Visit Terrorism.news for stories related to this. Watch this report about the Houthis joining Iran in plotting revenge against Israel. This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com WhiteHouse.gov Brighteon.com

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