Overview
- The Council voted 14–0 to remove Ahmed al‑Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from the ISIL/Al‑Qaeda list, lifting travel bans, asset freezes and an arms embargo.
- Washington and London dropped their listings a day later, with the EU saying it will mirror the UN decision.
- Beijing cited unresolved risks from foreign terrorist fighters, including Uyghur militants tied to ETIM, in explaining its abstention.
- The delisting comes days before Sharaa’s Nov. 10 White House meeting with President Trump, with Syria expected to join the U.S.-led anti‑ISIS coalition.
- Key U.S. sanctions under the Caesar Act remain in force pending congressional action, with bipartisan Senate leaders indicating plans to seek repeal.