The United Kingdom announced the removal of Heyyat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from the list of terrorist organizations.
In a written statement, the UK Home Office and the Foreign Office noted that the government has decided to remove HTS from the list of prohibited terrorist organizations.
It is emphasized that this decision will contribute to establishing a closer relationship with the new Syrian government and supporting UK foreign and domestic policy priorities in areas such as counter-terrorism, migration and the destruction of chemical weapons.
The document notes: “The delisting of Heyyat Tahrir al-Sham is part of the UK’s response to significant events that have occurred in Syria since the overthrow Assad regime in December last year by forces led by President Ahmed al-Shar.”
Noting that the terrorist organization Daesh continues to pose a serious threat in Syria, it is noted that the lifting of the ban on HTS will facilitate the participation of the new Syrian government in the mission to combat Daesh and, therefore, reduce the threat to UK.
It was emphasized that lifting the ban on Heyyat Tahrir al-Sham would facilitate closer cooperation with Syria to eliminate the chemical weapons program of the ousted Assad regime, and it was noted that the UK Government was pleased with Shara’s commitment to permanently destroy these weapons.
On 24 April, the UK withdrew sanctions on 12 institutions and organizations in Syria, including the ministries of defense and interior.