Canada removes Syria from state sponsors of terrorism list

OTTAWA, Canada (MNTV) — The Canadian government has formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, citing political changes in Damascus and aligning its policy with recent U.S. and U.K. decisions.

Canada’s Foreign Ministry said the decision followed an extensive review and includes the delisting of the former armed opposition group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from Canada’s terrorist entities list.

Officials said the move reflects Syria’s transitional government efforts toward stability and counter-terrorism cooperation.

Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Canada welcomes “positive steps” taken by the Syrian government since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime a year ago.

She said Canada supports a “peaceful Syrian-led political transition” and the Syrian people’s pursuit of an “inclusive, stable and prosperous future.”

The ministry acknowledged that Syria’s current president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, previously led HTS during the civil war, noting this in the context of the group’s delisting.

The Syrian government welcomed Canada’s decision, calling it a “positive and constructive development” that recognizes the harm sanctions caused to Syrian civilians and key economic sectors.

Damascus said the move marks an “important milestone” in bilateral relations and opens the door to broader cooperation.

Despite the delisting, Canada continues to impose sanctions on 56 Syrian entities and 225 individuals, mostly former Assad-era officials.

Earlier this year, Ottawa introduced limited sanctions relief through a general permit easing certain restrictions until February 2026.

The decision reflects a wider Western diplomatic recalibration following Assad’s flight to Russia in December 2024 and the establishment of a transitional government in Damascus.