Canada has removed Syria from its terrorism support list in a move Damascus has welcomed, calling it a “positive and constructive development.”
Canada has announced the move to remove Syria from its list of states that support terrorism on Friday as Syria approaches the first anniversary of the successful overthrow of former dictator Bashar al-Assad.
The Canadian government highlighted that the United States had taken a similar step. Officials said the change reflects the efforts made by the Syrian transitional government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa to stabilise the country and work with international partners to reintegrate Syria back into the global community.
Canada’s foreign ministry stated that such decisions were not made lightly. Canada originally listed Syria as a state supporter of terrorism in 2012 after Assad’s violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests led to the bloody civil war.
For years, the anti-Assad armed group Hayat Tahrir al Sham, known as HTS, faced widespread sanctions due to its links with al-Qaeda. The group was led by Al-Sharaa, who was known at the time by an alias, Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani.
However, Western governments have now shifted their stance. Several countries removed the group from their sanction lists to improve cooperation with Syria’s new transitional authorities who took control of Syria after defeating Assad in late 2024.
The ministry said that sanctions still apply to fifty-six Syrian individuals, including former officials from the Assad era and members of his family.
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Al-Sharaa has moved to distance himself from his Al-Qaeda past and prior to the HTS liberation of Damascus, he had made efforts to reform the groups image.
Al-Sharaa has also worked to distance himself from his former identity as Al-Jolani and has presented a more tolerant leadership style since becoming President of the Assad free Syria.
Al-Sharaa delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly this year. He said that Syria is reclaiming its rightful place among world nations after becoming a pariah under Assad.
The speech emphasised rebuilding economic partnerships, especially with the United States and the European Union.
The United States partially suspended sanctions on Syria in June. This decision was later extended in November following discussions between al-Sharaa and US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Shortly before the White House meeting, the United States declared that al-Sharaa was no longer classified as a specially designated global terrorist. This decision further signalled Washington’s support for the political transition underway in Syria.
Canada’s decision follows this evolving diplomatic trend. It suggests a changing international view of Syria’s government and recognition of its attempts to guide the country toward a new political future.
