Maldives Upholds Stance on HTS: Syria’s Ruling Entity Classified as Terrorist

The Maldives has reaffirmed its classification of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist organization and upheld the prohibition on Maldivian citizens traveling to Syria. HTS temporarily took over governance in Syria after Bashar al-Assad resigned following a 24-year regime. Since 2019, the Maldives has designated HTS as a terrorist group under its Anti-Terrorism Act, and Syria is recognized as a conflict zone. The list of terrorist entities and conflict areas is reviewed annually; the latest list from the President's Office shows no revisions, leaving HTS among 20 identified terrorist organizations and Syria as a conflict zone. The President makes these designations based on recommendations from the Maldives National Security Council. Engaging with or aiding terrorist organizations incurs severe penalties.

The Maldives has reaffirmed its classification of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist organization and upheld the prohibition on Maldivian citizens traveling to Syria. HTS temporarily took over governance in Syria after Bashar al-Assad resigned following a 24-year regime. Since 2019, the Maldives has designated HTS as a terrorist group under its Anti-Terrorism Act, and Syria is recognized as a conflict zone. The list of terrorist entities and conflict areas is reviewed annually; the latest list from the President's Office shows no revisions, leaving HTS among 20 identified terrorist organizations and Syria as a conflict zone. The President makes these designations based on recommendations from the Maldives National Security Council. Engaging with or aiding terrorist organizations incurs severe penalties.

The Maldives has reaffirmed its classification of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist organization and upheld the prohibition on Maldivian citizens traveling to Syria. HTS temporarily took over governance in Syria after Bashar al-Assad resigned following a 24-year regime. Since 2019, the Maldives has designated HTS as a terrorist group under its Anti-Terrorism Act, and Syria is recognized as a conflict zone. The list of terrorist entities and conflict areas is reviewed annually; the latest list from the President's Office shows no revisions, leaving HTS among 20 identified terrorist organizations and Syria as a conflict zone. The President makes these designations based on recommendations from the Maldives National Security Council. Engaging with or aiding terrorist organizations incurs severe penalties.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of syria / terrorism.