UK Government Removes Hayat Tahrir al-Sham From Terrorist List to Support Syria’s New Islamist Regime

The UK has removed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its terrorist list.

“The UK Home Office stated it will continue to push for real progress and hold the Syrian government accountable for combating terrorism and restoring stability in Syria and the region, judging the government by its actions rather than words”

breitbart

This move is framed as a pivot toward engaging Syria’s new authorities formed after Bashar al-Assad’s fall.

Gulf News

Multiple outlets state HTS played the central role in toppling Assad.

The UK hopes delisting will enable cooperation on counterterrorism, migration, and dismantling chemical weapons capabilities.

This decision aligns with a similar step taken by the United States.

Coverage varies on labels and timing, with some describing it as a major policy shift toward President Ahmed/Ahmad Al Sharaa’s administration.

Several sources note the UK’s intent to judge Damascus by actions rather than words as it reopens channels after last December’s change of power.

London’s stated rationale centers on practical cooperation and conditional engagement.

Officials cite priorities like counter-terrorism, illegal migration control, and the elimination of Assad’s chemical weapons.

Indeksonline.

They insist Syria will be judged on concrete actions.

Several outlets add that the UK reserves the right to reinstate HTS’s designation.

The UK will hold Damascus accountable to security benchmarks, reflecting cautious normalization rather than a free pass.

Accounts differ on HTS’s development and history.

“The UK has removed Syria's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of banned terrorist organizations following HTS's overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad last December and its takeover of the Syrian government”

Gulf News

Some highlight its former designation and claims of distancing from extremist connections while establishing a civil administration.

Others focus on accusations of war crimes and sectarian violence.

Reports also vary regarding its organizational status in 2017, debating whether HTS separated from al‑Qaida that year or was considered an alias.

Additional details note that HTS contributed to dismantling Assad’s rule and that some members were incorporated into official security forces under the new interim authorities.

Diplomatic choreography varies depending on the account.

Several sources emphasize alignment with a U.S. delisting, but they differ on timing and outreach.

UPI

Reports mention high-level contacts, including a recent visit by former UK foreign secretary David Lammy and an envoy meeting in Damascus.

These talks cover topics such as security, border control, education, and de-escalation.

The UK signals possible steps toward reopening embassies while stating it will adjust ties based on performance.

Reactions range from guarded pragmatism to sharp condemnation.

“On April 24, Britain lifted sanctions on 12 Syrian institutions and bodies, including the Ministries of Defense and Interior”

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Critics—including opposition politicians and human rights groups—warn that delisting risks entrenching impunity and endangering minorities.

Khaama Press

Others note the UK’s reservations about violence in Latakia and Sweida and its threat to relist HTS if necessary.

A harsher line alleges evidence of war crimes and argues that easing sanctions and new aid flows legitimize an armed movement with extremist roots.

Supporters of engagement stress that London will condition ties on measurable security outcomes.