U.S. Removes Syria From State Sponsors of Terrorism List After Nearly 47 Years

Washington (Terror Monitor) — The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism nearly 47 years after the country was designated, saying the move eliminates one of the last major obstacles to private-sector investment and Syria’s reintegration into the global economy.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision recognizes positive steps taken by the Syrian government to fully distance itself from international terrorist activities.

The administration of President Donald Trump has been seeking to strengthen ties with Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Al-Sharaa was previously a militant leader known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani. He once led a group affiliated with al-Qaeda, which resulted in him being placed on the U.S. wanted list with a reward offered for information leading to his capture.

Al-Sharaa’s organization, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has also been removed from the U.S. list of designated foreign terrorist organizations.

The group was regarded as al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria until 2016, when al-Sharaa announced that it was severing its ties with al-Qaeda.

In late 2024, HTS led a rebel offensive that resulted in the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government.

Rubio said the decision would provide the Syrian people with “a pathway to prosperity.”

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move would encourage greater investment in Syria and help promote political and economic stability.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani described the announcement as a “historic step.” He said the Syrian government would continue working to establish an environment based on transparency, mutual interests and respect.