Syria hails removal from US state terror sponsor list

Syria on Monday welcomed the U.S. decision to remove it from the list of state sponsors of terrorism by the United States, calling it a major step to end decades of the country's isolation.

In a statement, Syria's foreign affairs authority said the decision "opens a new chapter in Syria's international relations," adding that it would support the country's economic recovery, help create conditions for reconstruction, and strengthen stability and security in Syria.

"We congratulate the Syrian people on this historic milestone," Syrian foreign affairs chief Asaad al-Shaibani said on social media platform X on Monday, referring to the removal of Syria from the list after 47 years.

Earlier on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the removal of Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

"Today, I authorized the formal rescission of Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST), following the conclusion of the mandatory 45-day Congressional notification period," Rubio said in a statement released on the website of the U.S. Department of State.

The department also revoked the designation of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaida-linked rebel group that played a dominant role in the formation of Syria's new government, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization. The U.S. Treasury Department concurrently removed HTS from its sanctions blacklist.

"These actions were all taken in recognition of the positive actions taken and further commitments by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to fully distance Syria from acts of international terrorism," Rubio said in the statement.

The development came after the Trump administration announced plans earlier this year to further ease restrictions on Syria.

Syria was designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the U.S. in 1979. The designation imposed restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, defense exports and certain financial transactions.

Syria hails removal from US state terror sponsor list

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Swift Eagle 2026 joint training for airborne troops from China and Belarus concluded with a closing ceremony at a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force training center on Monday.

The exercise focused on joint urban counter-terrorism operations, aiming to strengthen the combined operational capabilities of the troops in carrying out counter-terrorism missions.

During the joint training, troops from both sides operated in mixed task groups and conducted specialized training subjects including surveillance and counter-surveillance, seizure-and-control and protection, elimination and defense, in a bid to sharpen their capabilities in joint counter-terrorism operations.

The troops from the two countries also carried out themed workshops, sports competitions, cultural exchanges and other activities to learn from each other's training concepts and methods, enhance the friendship, and reach a consensus on cooperation.

"In this joint training, both sides have well honed their art of tactical cooperation and command coordination, effectively tested and enhanced the two militaries' joint counter-terrorism and emergency response capabilities. They have also accumulated valuable experience, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent execution of various joint missions," said Jiang Heping, a team leader from the Chinese troops.

Marking its fourth iteration, this joint exercise serves as an important platform for counter‑terrorism collaboration between the Chinese and Belarusian militaries. It is of great significance in strengthening practical bilateral cooperation and contributing to regional peace and stability.

China-Belarus Swift Eagle 2026 joint training concludes