Canada has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, the country’s Foreign Ministry announced Friday.
In a statement, the ministry said the decision comes after a thorough review and also includes the removal of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from Canada’s list of designated terrorist entities. The move aligns with recent actions by the United Kingdom and the United States and reflects efforts by Syria’s transitional government to promote stability and cooperate with international partners on counter-terrorism initiatives.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand welcomed the development, noting that it recognises “positive steps” by the Syrian government towards a peaceful, Syrian-led political transition since the departure of Bashar al-Assad last year. She added that Canada remains committed to addressing global security threats, including those posed by al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Syria responded positively to the announcement, describing it as “a constructive and encouraging step” that acknowledges the negative impact of sanctions on Syrian citizens and critical sectors. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said the decision opens the way for closer Syrian-Canadian cooperation and pledged to continue working with international partners on reconstruction and economic recovery, while supporting regional and global stability.
Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, which was one of the main armed groups opposing Assad’s forces during the civil war, was previously led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, who now heads Syria’s transitional administration. The transitional government took office in January following Assad’s departure to Russia last December, ending nearly 60 years of Baath Party rule.
Canada continues to enforce sanctions on 56 Syrian entities and 225 individuals, mostly former officials from the Assad regime, though limited relief measures have been introduced. Earlier this year, Ottawa issued a general permit easing certain economic restrictions, valid until 23 February 2026.
Israeli forces have maintained a tight closure on Hebron in the occupied West Bank for a second day, with Palestinian media reporting home raids, m...
Around 11,000 people joined a demonstration in Orléans on Saturday against the National Rally congress, according to the local prefecture....
German police have detained a suspect after a major fire broke out at the historic Kehlsteinhaus, known as the “Eagle’s Nest&rdqu...
Israeli military bulldozers have begun demolishing buildings in the West Bank city of Hebron on Friday, 23 October, following armed clashes with Palestinians that left two Israeli soldiers dead, according to the Israeli military.
Around 11,000 people joined a demonstration in Orléans on Saturday against the National Rally congress, according to the local prefecture.
Typhoon Champi swept past Taiwan on Saturday, leaving one person dead and more than 500 injured as strong winds and torrential rain brought down trees, cut power and disrupted transport across the island.
A powerful magnitude 7 earthquake has struck Tibet in southwestern China, killing 16 people and injuring 65, while forcing more than 12,000 residents to relocate as rescue teams respond to widespread aftershocks.
Missile and drone attacks have put Saudi Arabia on high alert, disrupting life in Riyadh and testing a new defence pact with Türkiye and Pakistan as regional tensions escalate.
Around 11,000 people joined a demonstration in Orléans on Saturday against the National Rally congress, according to the local prefecture.
German police have detained a suspect after a major fire broke out at the historic Kehlsteinhaus, known as the “Eagle’s Nest”, a mountain retreat once used by senior Nazi officials, including Adolf Hitler.
Typhoon Champi swept past Taiwan on Saturday, leaving one person dead and more than 500 injured as strong winds and torrential rain brought down trees, cut power and disrupted transport across the island.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday dismissed accusations that Canada planned to interfere in next month’s U.S. midterm elections, saying he was disappointed by comments from the American ambassador.
Kenya has recorded a second death from Ebola, the health ministry said late on Friday, as the outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to spread across Africa.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment