The United States on Monday officially revoked its designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a foreign terrorist organization.
The move follows the group’s dramatic shift from a militant faction to a political force after leading a coalition that toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December.
HTS, formerly known as the Al-Nusra Front and once tied to Al-Qaeda, had rebranded itself in recent years and severed extremist affiliations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision, framing it as part of broader efforts to support Syria’s post-war recovery.
Rubio cited the group’s formal dissolution and the new Syrian government’s pledge to fight terrorism as key reasons behind the reversal.
HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed power as interim president following Assad’s fall, ending more than 50 years of rule by the Assad family.
The United States removed sanctions on Syria in May, responding to appeals from regional powers including Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Since then, international reengagement has accelerated, with Britain restoring diplomatic ties and lifting sanctions on Syria’s key institutions.
Israel, a long-time adversary, is reportedly seeking closer ties with the new leadership in Damascus.
In January, Syria’s new authorities disbanded armed factions, including HTS, integrating them into civilian and policing structures.
Sharaa, once a wanted militant, now heads a transitional government under a temporary constitution widely seen as centralizing power.
His ascent marks one of the most rapid political transformations in recent Middle Eastern history, drawing cautious support from the West.
Meanwhile, Syria has expressed willingness to resume a 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel, hinting at a potential thaw in long-frozen relations.
The post-Assad era opens a new, uncertain chapter for Syria, with global powers watching Sharaa’s next moves closely.
