The United States Department of State has removed 21 organizations from its Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) list, a move that underscores shifts in global security dynamics. The delistings, which occurred over several years, are based on legal provisions that allow revocation when circumstances change or national security interests warrant.
Understanding Foreign Terrorist Organizations
Foreign Terrorist Organizations are designated under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This designation is a critical tool for restricting support for groups involved in terrorism and protecting national security. The Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) monitors these groups, considering past attacks and future capabilities.
Grounds for Delisting
The INA outlines three grounds for revoking an FTO designation:
- Changed circumstances: When the original reasons for designation no longer apply.
- National security: If revocation is deemed necessary for US national security.
- Discretionary revocation: The Secretary of State may revoke a designation at any time.
Revocations take effect on the specified date or upon publication in the Federal Register. They do not affect proceedings based on conduct before revocation.
List of Delisted Organizations
Here are the groups removed from the FTO list:
- July 8, 2025 – al-Nusrah Front, aka Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (ANF/HTS) – Designated May 15, 2014
- May 20, 2022 – Aum Shinrikyo (AUM) – Designated October 8, 1997
- May 20, 2022 – Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) – Designated October 8, 1997
- May 20, 2022 – Gama’a al-Islamiyya (Islamic Group – IG) – Designated October 8, 1997
- May 20, 2022 – Kahane Chai (Kach) – Designated October 8, 1997
- May 20, 2022 – Mujahidin Shura Council in the Environs of Jerusalem (MSC) – Designated August 20, 2014
- December 1, 2021 – Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) – Designated October 8, 1997
- February 16, 2021 – Ansarallah – Designated January 19, 2021
- June 1, 2017 – Abu Nidal Organization (ANO) – Designated October 8, 1997
- December 9, 2015 – Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) – Designated December 17, 2004
- September 3, 2015 – Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17N) – Designated October 8, 1997
- July 15, 2014 – United Self Defense Forces of Colombia – Designated September 10, 2001
- May 28, 2013 – Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group (GICM) – Designated October 11, 2005
- September 28, 2012 – Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK) – Designated October 8, 1997
- October 15, 2010 – Armed Islamic Group (GIA) – Designated October 8, 1997
- May 18, 2009 – Revolutionary Nuclei – Designated October 8, 1997
- October 8, 2001 – Tupac Amaru Revolution Movement – Designated October 8, 1997
- October 8, 2001 – Japanese Red Army – Designated October 8, 1997
- October 8, 1999 – Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front Dissidents – Designated October 8, 1997
- October 8, 1999 – Khmer Rouge – Designated October 8, 1997
- October 8, 1999 – Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine – Hawatmeh Faction – Designated October 8, 1997
Significance of Delisting
Delistings are as important as designations. They reflect changes in global security and acknowledge when groups no longer pose the same threat. As the State Department explains: "FTO designations play a critical role in our fight against terrorism and are an effective means of curtailing support for terrorist activities and pressuring groups to get out of the terrorism business."
This process ensures that the FTO list remains current and relevant, adapting to evolving threats and geopolitical realities.
