Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian media: Three Palestinians were killed after being targeted by Israeli drone fire in the al-Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City
Nicolas Maduro: The Palestinian cause is the most sacred cause for humanity, and we propose sending teams of builders, farmers, and doctors to Gaza to help the people
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Lebanon: IOF infiltrate Khallet Wardeh towards the municipality in the town of Aita al-Shaab, south of Lebanon.
Leaders of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey sign a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Trump arrives in Sharm el-Sheikh
Israeli PM's office: PM informed Trump he would not attend Sharm el-Sheikh Summit on account of Jewish holidays.
Israeli media: Netanyahu makes last-minute decision to cancel trip to Sharm el-Sheikh.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Large crowds gather in Khan Younis to welcome the liberated Palestinian detainees, waving flags of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in celebration
Buses of released prisoners arrive in Ramallah
Israeli media: Netanyahu gifts Trump a "Golden Dove".

Biden adminstration explores removing HTS from terrorist list

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 11 Dec 2024 04:43
  • 2 Shares
4 Min Read

The Biden administration is considering lifting the foreign terrorist designation from Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), with discussions still in the early stages.

Listen
  • x
  • Biden admin explores removing HTS from terrorist list
    US President Joe Biden listens during a briefing on October 1, 2024. (AP)

Two current administration officials and a former top US official told NBC News Wednesday that the Biden administration is considering lifting the foreign terrorist designation from Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, the most prominent of the groups that deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

US President Joe Biden claimed credit for the fall of Damascus at the hands of the new government forces, which include Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), saying that Washington weakened the supporters of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

On Sunday, Biden said in a video address from the White House that the result of the lighting offensive of anti-government armed groups in the past two weeks was a "fundamental act of justice" and a "moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering citizens of Syria". 

The negotiations are intended to "create a pathway for the world to interact with the new government," according to the former official. While two individuals said the administration hopes to withdraw the designation "soon," another indicated talks are still in the early stages.

The authorities claimed that removing the terrorist label from HTS, which has historical ties to al-Qaeda, would involve removing Ahmad al-Sharaa's (Abu Mohammad al-Jolani) $10 million bounty.

Al-Jolani is the commander of the new regime forces' military operations room, and according to National Security Advisor John Kirby, there are currently no conversations about modifying the policy regarding HTS, but they are closely monitoring their actions.

The government wants to examine how HTS governs over the next two weeks and is simultaneously looking into what legal work is required to delist it.

Related News

SDF, Damascus reach preliminary deal to integrate forces

Senate votes to repeal Caesar sanctions on Syria

In a similar vein, European Commission Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Anouar El Anouni stated on Tuesday that the European Union will evaluate its next steps concerning the bloc's stance on Syria's new leadership in coordination with its member states, adding that the discussions will also involve the United Nations.

"Several member states have announced their readiness to work with Syrian opposition groups that took power on the basis of fundamental human rights. As for the EU, the next steps will be discussed by member states as well as in other frameworks, including the UN, since HTS [Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham] is under UN sanctions. We will assess the actual conduct, not just the words, of those exercising responsibilities, and then member states will decide on the next steps," Anouni told a midday briefing.

Read more: New regime forces in Syria carry out summary executions in Latakia

Biden says US to work with partners in Syria

On Sunday, Biden called Syria's political upheaval following the ousting of al-Assad a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their nation.

During a White House statement on the situation in Syria, he said that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the development of terrorist organizations. Describing it as a "historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria," Biden called the fall of the Syrian regime a "fundamental act of justice."

When asked what should happen to the overthrown president, who is reportedly in Moscow, Biden voiced that he should be "held accountable," expressing that the US will support Syrians in rebuilding their nation, without delving into the details of this support.

"We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign" democratic Syria "with a new constitution," the US president said.

Biden also stated, "First, we'll support Syria's neighbors ... should any threat arise from Syria during this period of transition," further disclosing that senior officials from his administration will visit the region soon.

The US will also ensure stability, particularly in eastern Syria, and protect its personnel "against any threat," while continuing efforts to combat ISIS, including maintaining "the security of detention facilities where ISIS fighters are being held as prisoners," the outgoing US president said.

  • United States
  • Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
  • Syria
  • Bashar al-Assad
  • Abu Mohammad al-Jolani
  • ISIS
  • US President Joe Biden
  • Terrorist Organizations
  • Joe Biden

Most Read

Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jaafarawi in an undated image in Gaza, occupied Palestine (Social media)

Gaza Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jafarawi killed by collaborators

  • Politics
  • 12 Oct 2025
Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl

The Life of a No-Girl: The one verse Taylor Swift refuses to sing

  • Arts and Culture
  • 8 Oct 2025
Iran strikes secret Israeli-US bunker under Tel Aviv high-rise

Tel Aviv high-rise struck by Iran hid Site 81, secret US-Israeli base

  • Politics
  • Today
Ceasefire in Gaza takes effect amid conflicting signals and bombings

Gaza ceasefire takes effect; 'Israel' resumes bombing, timing disputed

  • Politics
  • 9 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
US media rejects Pentagon rules limiting access to official info
Politics

US media reject Pentagon rules limiting access to official info

Australia open to sending troops to Middle East post-ceasefire
Politics

Australia open to sending troops to Middle East post-ceasefire

Arab journalists in US say they're being silenced after Gaza coverage
Politics

MENA journalists in US report heightened scrutiny since Gaza war began

Maduro offers Gaza aid and calls for real justice after Sharm El-Sheik.
Latin America

Maduro offers Gaza aid, calls for real justice after Sharm El-Sheikh

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS