US Revokes Terrorist Designation for Former Syrian Rebel Group HTS

The United States has officially revoked the terrorist designation of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former rebel alliance in northwestern Syria, signaling a shift in American policy toward engagement in the Syrian conflict.

Once affiliated with extremist movements, HTS has since evolved into a dominant local authority in parts of Idlib province. The US State Department’s decision reflects recognition of HTS’s separation from extremist ideology and its growing role in delivering public services and governance in areas outside Assad regime control.

A State Department spokesperson stated that the removal of HTS from the Foreign Terrorist Organizations list does not equate to full endorsement, but rather acknowledges changing realities on the ground and creates space for diplomatic engagement in Syria’s humanitarian and political arenas.

The move comes amid increased international debate over pathways to peace in Syria, where over a decade of conflict has uprooted millions and imposed severe humanitarian hardship. Analysts say the designation change could enable more flexible delivery of aid and open limited political dialogue—but emphasize HTS remains a controversial actor with a history of coercive rule in Islamist-controlled zones.

Critics warned the decision might inadvertently boost HTS’s legitimacy, potentially complicating regional stability and counterterrorism operations. Supporters of the change argue that excluding HTS from the blacklist could facilitate urgently needed humanitarian access for civilians in opposition-held areas.

The department stressed that the designation revocation will be paired with continued vigilance: specific sanctions targeting key HTS figures remain in place, and broader restrictions on extremist activity are unchanged.

International reaction has been cautious. Humanitarian groups welcomed the possibility of improved aid delivery, while regional governments and western allies are monitoring the impact of the policy shift.

With input from Al Jazeera