UK May Lift HTS Ban on Militant Group

• The UK could lift a ban on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group that led to the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.

• The group was proscribed in 2017 for its links with al-Qaeda.

• UK Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden stated that the government would make a swift decision about lifting the ban if the situation in Syria stabilizes.

• The decision will depend on the backing of statements about the protection of minorities and citizens.

• The UK could consider lifting the ban if HTS takes over Syria.

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the overthrow of the Assad regime and called for the protection of civilians and minorities.