US Removes Syria from Terrorism List, Excludes HTS, Eases Sanctions

The United States officially removed Syria from its 'State Sponsors of Terrorism' list on August 26, 2026, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the country. This decision was confirmed by multiple news outlets, including Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya. The removal of Syria from the list means that the U.S. is no longer designating the country as a state that supports terrorism, which could lead to a reduction in sanctions and a potential thaw in diplomatic relations. The U.S. also excluded the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from the list of terrorist organizations, a move noted by Izvestia. However, HTS is recognized as a terrorist organization and is banned in Russia. This exclusion raises questions about the criteria used to determine terrorist designation and may have implications for international cooperation against extremist groups. The decision to ease sanctions against Syria is seen as part of a broader strategy to stabilize the region and address ongoing conflicts.