Canada removes Syria from state sponsors of terrorism list

Canada has formally removed Syria from its official list of state sponsors of terrorism, the country's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday. The decision, following an extensive review, also involves delisting the former armed opposition group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from Canada's terrorist entities list. The ministry stated the moves align with recent similar decisions by the United Kingdom and the United States and reflect Syria's transitional government efforts toward stability and counter-terrorism cooperation.

Rationale and Political Context

Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Canada welcomes "positive steps" taken by the Syrian government since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime a year ago. She emphasized support for a "peaceful Syrian-led political transition" and the Syrian people's quest for an "inclusive, stable and prosperous future." Notably, Syria's current president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads the post-Assad transitional administration, once headed HTS during the civil war, a fact acknowledged in the context of the delisting.

Syria's Response and Call for Cooperation

The Syrian government welcomed Canada's decision, calling it a "positive and constructive development" that recognizes the harm caused by sanctions on the Syrian people and vital sectors. Damascus stated the step marks an "important milestone" in bilateral relations and opens the door to multifaceted cooperation. Syria reiterated its readiness to engage in dialogue with international partners to support economic recovery and reconstruction in a way that serves shared security interests.

Ongoing Sanctions and Regional Shift

Despite the delisting, Canada maintains sanctions on 56 Syrian entities and 225 individuals, primarily former Assad regime officials. However, Ottawa introduced limited relief earlier this year with a general permit easing some economic sanctions until February 2026. The decision reflects a broader Western diplomatic recalibration following Assad's flight to Russia in December 2024 and the subsequent formation of a new transitional administration in Damascus.