US to remove Syria's HTS from list of foreign terror groups
The US State Department announced that it will be removing the Syrian group Hurras al-Din (HTS) from its list of designated foreign terrorist organizations. The decision comes as part of efforts to promote peace and stability in Syria and is based on HTS's willingness to disband its paramilitary forces and participate in the political process. The delisting however has been met with criticism from several officials in the region, with the Syrian opposition and Human Rights Watch describing it as a mistake that will undermine efforts to hold perpetrators of abuse to account.
What's next?
The delisting of HTS is subject to full implementation of the agreement, and the group will be closely monitored. The decision follows a larger trend in the US government's approach to counterterrorism efforts, with a focus on economic sanctions and building positive relationships with former adversaries.
