Japan removes 16 Syrian organisations from sanctions list

Japan has removed 16 Syrian organisations from its sanctions list, effective Tuesday, following the removal of former president Bashar Al Assad from power in 2024. The organizations, which include banks, government ministries, and private companies, were targeted by Japan in 2011 when the civil war began. The decision comes in light of recent developments surrounding Syria and Japan's bilateral relationship with Damascus.

Japan previously lifted partial sanctions on the Syrian government in May 2025, aligning with similar actions taken by other countries. The organisations removed from the list include the Syrian ministries of defence and interior, General Petroleum Corporation, Syria International Islamic Bank, and others such as Mobile provider Syriatel, Military Housing Establishment, and Syria Trading Oil Company.

The European Union also lifted sanctions on seven Syrian government organisations earlier this year, while the US officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism in August.