Canada announced on December 5, 2025, that it has removed Syria from its list of foreign state supporters of terrorism and delisted Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist entity. The decision aligns with recent moves by key allies, including the United States and Britain, according to a Global Affairs Canada statement.
The policy shift reflects evolving assessments of Syria's transitional government, which has reportedly intensified efforts to stabilize the country and collaborate with international partners on counter-terrorism initiatives. "These decisions were not taken lightly; the safety and security of Canadians will remain paramount," the statement emphasized.
Despite the delisting, Canada maintains sanctions against 56 Syrian entities and 225 individuals tied to former President Bashar al-Assad's administration. Analysts suggest the move signals cautious recognition of Syria's changing political landscape while maintaining pressure on historical human rights violators.
Regional security experts note this development could influence reconstruction investment patterns in the Middle East, though most Western economic restrictions remain in place. The Canadian government reiterated its commitment to monitoring Syria's compliance with international security frameworks.
