UK Lifts Terrorism Ban on HTS to Foster Syrian Relations

The British government has officially removed Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of proscribed terrorist organizations. The group, a former al Qaeda affiliate, led the Syrian rebel alliance against President Bashar al-Assad and was banned by the UK in 2017.

This decision aligns with prior actions by the US, which revoked HTS's terrorist designation in July. The UK hopes this move will facilitate improved relations with the new Syrian government and aid in eliminating Assad's chemical weapons program.

Syria's Economy Minister, Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar, expressed optimism at a London conference that US sanctions on Syria would be lifted soon, enhancing international diplomatic efforts.