Countries, UN remove Syria’s President al-Sharaa from terrorism lists
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Several countries and the United Nations have lifted terrorism-related sanctions on Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, signaling a major step toward international recognition of Syria’s new leadership.
On Nov. 6, the UN Security Council approved a U.S.-backed resolution removing al-Sharaa and Syria’s Interior Minister from the ISIS and al-Qaeda sanctions list.
The measure, adopted with 14 votes in favor and China abstaining, lifts a years-long travel ban and asset freeze imposed under counterterrorism resolutions.
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) followed by delisting al-Sharaa from its terrorism sanctions, clearing the way for official meetings in Washington.
The United Kingdom immediately lifted its national restrictions, while the European Union announced plans to align with the UN decision in the coming days.
U.S. officials described the move as “a coordinated, pragmatic step” reflecting Syria’s changing political landscape following the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the rise of al-Sharaa’s transitional government last year.
Al-Sharaa, a former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), had long been designated for his links to extremist groups.
Western diplomats say the decision to delist him follows months of verification that his government has severed ties with transnational jihadist networks and engaged constructively with counterterrorism partners.
Analysts view the decision as part of a broader policy shift toward managed engagement with new authorities in Syria to prevent an ISIS resurgence and limit Iranian influence.
However, human rights organizations cautioned that delisting former militant figures risks undermining accountability for past abuses.
The move comes days before al-Sharaa’s expected visit to Washington, where he is set to meet U.S. officials to discuss counterterrorism cooperation and regional security.