The United States has officially revoked its “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO) designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate that played a central role in toppling the regime of Bashar al-Assad in December. The decision, announced on Monday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a significant shift in Washington’s policy toward Syria following a dramatic power transition.
“In line with President Trump’s May 13 promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria, I am announcing my intent to revoke the FTO designation of al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham,” Rubio stated. The revocation takes effect Tuesday, following the recent lifting of sweeping US sanctions on Syria.
HTS, once notorious for its ties to global jihadist movements, officially severed relations with al-Qaeda in 2016. The group has since attempted to rebrand itself as a local governing force, particularly in northwest Syria, where it previously controlled the Idlib province. Under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, who now serves as Syria’s interim president, HTS played a pivotal role in ousting Assad after over five decades of authoritarian rule by the Assad family.
Sharaa’s leadership has seen significant international outreach. The new Syrian authorities disbanded all armed factions earlier this year, integrating former militants into state institutions like the police. The transformation has earned cautious praise from global powers, with Britain reestablishing diplomatic ties and lifting sanctions on key Syrian ministries.
Israel, once a staunch adversary, is reportedly seeking to establish relations with the Sharaa-led government. Syria, in turn, has expressed willingness to revisit the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel.
The US has also removed a bounty on Sharaa’s head, signaling a complete reversal of its stance on the former rebel leader. As Syria enters a five-year transitional period under a temporary constitution, questions remain about governance and human rights, with concerns about concentrated power in Sharaa’s hands.
Nevertheless, the international community appears poised to support Syria’s reintegration, as the nation rebuilds from the rubble of war and seeks economic revival after years of devastating conflict and isolation.
