US Removes Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa from Terrorism List

The United States officially removed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa from its terrorism blacklist on Friday, just days before finally visiting Washington.

The decision, announced by the State Department, follows growing cooperation between al-Sharaa’s government and the US.

The move came shortly after the US led a United Nations Security Council vote to lift UN sanctions against the Syrian leader.

“These actions are being taken in recognition of the progress demonstrated by the Syrian leadership after the departure of Bashar al-Assad and more than 50 years of repression under the Assad regime,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.

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He added that al-Sharaa’s administration has been cooperating with the US on locating missing Americans and eliminating remaining chemical weapons.

Al-Sharaa, previously linked to Al-Qaeda, had been designated a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist,” with a bounty placed on his head by the US. Nearly a year ago, his forces, supported by Turkey and Gulf Arab allies, seized power in a rapid offensive that toppled Assad’s government.

On Monday, al-Sharaa visited the White House, where President Donald Trump pledged support for the new Syrian leadership.

The move has faced opposition from Israel, which has conducted airstrikes in Syria since Assad’s departure, seeking to curb the influence of its longstanding adversary.