U.S. Amends Sanctions Regulations on Syria

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced amendments to the sanctions regulations related to Syria, including the termination of the state of emergency imposed since 2004 against the former Syrian regime.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) explained that the name of the regulations has been changed to the “Sanctions Regulations to Enhance Accountability for Assad and Regional Stability,” noting that the update includes the removal of general sanctions that were imposed on Syria as a state after the fall of the previous regime, while maintaining individual sanctions against those involved in war crimes, human rights violations, or Captagon smuggling networks.

The amendments also stipulate the possibility of re-listing certain individuals or entities on the sanctions lists if proven involved in violations, while laws such as the “Caesar Act” and the “Captagon Smuggling Prevention Act” have been included as the legislative basis for future sanctions.

The department affirmed that the new approach aims to enhance individual accountability and support regional stability, warning that any deliberate violation of these regulations may expose violators to criminal prosecution.