Canada Removes Syria from State Terrorism List in Major Policy Shift

Canada has officially removed Syria from its list of “foreign state supporters of terrorism,” and simultaneously revoked the terrorist designation of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the former rebel group that helped overthrow the previous Syrian regime.

The government said the moves follow an extensive review and align with similar recent decisions by allies such as the United Kingdom and the United States.

According to the Canadian foreign ministry, the reversal recognises efforts by Syria’s transitional government to advance stability, build an inclusive future for its citizens, and collaborate with international partners to bolster regional security and counter terrorism, even as Canada maintains sanctions against 56 individuals linked to the former regime.

The decision marks a major diplomatic shift nearly 13 years after Canada first labelled Syria a state sponsor of terrorism following the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2012.

It ends decades of broad restrictions on engagement with Damascus, reopening the door for renewed diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian interactions, though Canada said some criminal-code sanctions and UN-mandated restrictions remain in force, especially against listed individuals, extremist factions, and activities tied to terrorism financing or arms trafficking.

Canadian officials described the delisting as a “difficult but necessary step,” stressing that the safety and security of Canadians remain paramount.

They argued that the change provides an opportunity to support Syria’s reconstruction and reintegration into the international community, particularly after regime change last year and HTS’s disavowal of prior extremist affiliations.

Observers note the move could reshape foreign-policy dynamics in the Middle East, encouraging other Western governments to re-evaluate their long-standing sanctions on Syria.

Source: Reuters · Global Affairs Canada · Al Jazeera · The New Arab