Canada on Friday removed Syria from its roster of states accused of backing terrorism and also withdrew the designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a “terrorist entity,” marking another major Western shift toward easing sanctions on Damascus.
The latest policy change follows the takeover of Syria’s government by HTS after the group forced out former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad last December, ultimately assuming control of the state’s institutions.
“These decisions were not taken lightly,” Canada’s foreign ministry noted in its announcement.
According to the ministry, the new measures align with choices recently made by key partners, including the United Kingdom and the United States, and reflect support for what it described as ongoing efforts by Syria’s transitional authorities to strengthen “Syria’s stability.”
Canada originally placed Syria on its list of “state supporters of terrorism” in 2012, a move tied to Assad’s severe repression of pro-democracy demonstrators, which spiraled into a full-scale civil conflict.
HTS, long criticised and sanctioned due to its historical ties to Al-Qaeda, has seen several Western nations drop its terror label in recent months. Officials argue that delisting the group opens a pathway for smoother engagement with the reshaped Syrian government and its president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist who now leads the new administration.
Since assuming power, the reconstituted Syrian leadership has attempted to distance itself from its militant origins, promoting a more moderate image aimed at reassuring citizens and rebuilding relationships with international governments.
Despite loosening restrictions, Canada emphasized that it is keeping sanctions in place against 56 Syrian individuals, including members of the ousted Assad administration and figures connected to the Assad family, according to the foreign ministry.
What You Should Know
Canada’s latest diplomatic decision reflects a wider Western trend of recalibrating relations with Syria following Bashar al-Assad’s removal.
With HTS now controlling the government and attempting to rehabilitate its image, several countries—including the US and UK—have adjusted their terrorism designations to allow deeper engagement with the transitional authorities. Although Canada lifted Syria’s terror-sponsor label, it still maintains sanctions on dozens of influential individuals linked to the previous regime.
This shift signals an attempt to encourage stability, support political restructuring, and cautiously re-enter cooperation with the reshaped Syrian leadership.
