US Lifts Terror Tag on Syria’s HTS: A Risky Gambit?
The United States has unexpectedly revoked the Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) designation of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a significant development with far-reaching implications for the Syrian conflict. This move, announced on July 8, 2025, comes as a surprise given HTS’s known ties to al-Qaeda and its history as a front for al-Nusrah Front.
The decision has sparked immediate debate among security experts and policymakers. Critics question the timing and rationale behind the US’s decision, highlighting the potential risks involved.
HTS, despite distancing itself from al-Qaeda in recent years, remains a powerful force in northwestern Syria. Its influence and activities continue to be a concern for regional stability.
The removal of the FTO designation could potentially alter the dynamics of the Syrian conflict, impacting ongoing peace efforts and potentially emboldening HTS.
This development demands close scrutiny, particularly considering the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria and the complex interplay of regional and global powers involved. The long-term consequences of this decision on counter-terrorism efforts and regional security remain to be seen, potentially impacting India’s own strategic interests in the Middle East.
