UK Lifts Terrorism Ban on HTS to Foster Syrian Relations

The UK government has lifted Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of banned terrorist organizations. This decision aims to foster better relations with Syria's government and work on dismantling Assad's chemical weapons. The move follows the US's earlier removal of HTS from its terrorist designation.

The British government has officially removed Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of proscribed terrorist organizations. The group, a former al Qaeda affiliate, led the Syrian rebel alliance against President Bashar al-Assad and was banned by the UK in 2017.

This decision aligns with prior actions by the US, which revoked HTS's terrorist designation in July. The UK hopes this move will facilitate improved relations with the new Syrian government and aid in eliminating Assad's chemical weapons program.

Syria's Economy Minister, Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar, expressed optimism at a London conference that US sanctions on Syria would be lifted soon, enhancing international diplomatic efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)