US grants sanctions exemption for Syrian public services
The U.S. Treasury issued a six-month sanctions exemption on January 6th allowing specific transactions with governing institutions in Syria, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
According to Reuters, the general license, which expires on July 7th, is intended to facilitate humanitarian aid and basic services in the war-torn country.
This exemption permits energy-related transactions, personal remittances, and support for electricity, water, and sanitation services, although it does not lift existing sanctions on Assad, his associates, HTS or the Central Bank of Syria.
According to the U.S. Treasury, the measure seeks to ensure that “sanctions do not impede essential services and continuity of governance functions across Syria.”
The sudden collapse of the Assad government on December 8th came after a rapid offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist rebel group. HTS, which now heads Syria’s caretaker government, has renounced its ties to Al Qaeda but remains designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and is subject to strict sanctions.
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Maher Khalil al-Hasan, Syria’s trade minister under the caretaker government, stated on Monday that the country is struggling to secure fuel, wheat, and other essential goods due to the ongoing sanctions. He warned of a potential “catastrophe” unless these measures are frozen or lifted.
“The end of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal and repressive rule, backed by Russia and Iran, provides a unique opportunity for Syria and its people to rebuild,” said U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo.
Adeyemo also said: “During this period of transition, Treasury will continue to support humanitarian assistance and responsible governance in Syria.”
While the exemption covers governing institutions, defined as public service providers, hospitals, schools, and utilities, the transactions involving HTS remain heavily restricted. The Treasury emphasized that Washington expects cooperation from HTS on counter-terrorism efforts and the formation of an inclusive government.
The international community has expressed concerns about potential challenges similar to those seen in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021, where sanctions impeded humanitarian aid. Diplomats have suggested using the easing of sanctions as leverage to ensure Syria’s new authorities uphold commitments to responsible governance and counter-terrorism priorities.
Reuters
