Canada on Friday removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and revoked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s designation as a terrorist organization, marking a major shift in Ottawa’s approach to Damascus as more Western governments ease restrictions on the country.

The move comes after HTS pushed former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad from power last December and assumed control of the government.

“These decisions were not taken lightly,” Canada’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said the changes were in line with recent steps by the United States and the United Kingdom and reflected efforts by Syria’s transitional authorities to stabilize the country after years of conflict.

End of a decade-old designation

Canada added Syria to its terrorism list in 2012 after Assad’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests ignited a civil war that shattered the country and displaced millions.

HTS had long faced sanctions for its ties to Al-Qaida. Still, several Western governments have removed the group’s terror designation to enable cooperation with the new Syrian leadership and its president, former jihadist Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Since seizing power, Syria’s new rulers have tried to distance themselves from the group’s militant origins and present a more moderate image to citizens and foreign governments seeking clarity about the transition.

Canada said it will maintain sanctions on 56 Syrian individuals, including former Assad-era officials and members of the ousted leader’s family.