The United States and the United Kingdom have both removed the Syrian group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from their official terrorist organisation lists in separate decisions announced in 2025.
The United States first revoked HTS’s designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on July 8, 2025, with officials saying the move reflected changes in Syria’s political landscape and Washington’s evolving policy toward the country.
The United Kingdom later followed with its own decision, officially removing HTS from its list of banned terrorist organisations on October 21, 2025, according to a government announcement. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham emerged during the Syrian civil war and was previously linked to networks associated with al-Qaeda before later distancing itself from those ties.
Analysts say the decisions by both governments reflect shifting international approaches toward Syria following major changes in the country’s political leadership and control of territory.
