Ottawa, December 6, 2025 – In a move mirroring recent actions by the United States and the United Kingdom, Canada announced Friday it has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. The Canadian government also delisted Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that spearheaded the opposition coalition which ousted former President Bashar al-Assad, from its list of designated terrorist entities.
The Canadian government stated in a press release that the decision aligns with steps taken by its allies. “This action mirrors recent decisions made by our allies, including the United Kingdom and the United States,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the government cited ongoing efforts by the current Syrian government to foster stability and build a secure and inclusive future for its citizens as a key factor in the decision. The government also acknowledged Syria’s work with global partners to promote regional stability and combat terrorism.
The move follows the lifting of sanctions by the United States and the United Kingdom on Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara last month, subsequent to a similar resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council.
It is worth noting that the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other nations have lifted the majority of sanctions previously imposed on Syria in response to the policies of the former regime.
This decision marks a significant shift in Canada’s foreign policy towards Syria and could pave the way for increased diplomatic and economic engagement with the nation. Critics, however, argue that the move is premature and risks legitimizing a government that has yet to fully address human rights concerns.
