The authorization comes after rebels toppled the Syrian government last month and is intended to allow humanitarian groups to operate more freely without running afoul of U.S. sanctions.

The Biden administration is set to offer limited sanctions relief to Syria to boost the flow of humanitarian aid in the aftermath of President Bashar al-Assad’s downfall, people familiar with the matter said.

The decision by the outgoing Biden administration will send a signal of goodwill to Syria's new Islamist rulers.

The move reflects Washington’s wariness about the U.S.-designated terror organization that leads the country.

HTS traces its origins to al-Qaeda but broke ties with the group in 2016. During a visit to Syria last month, US officials informed HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa that they were dropping the $10 million bounty on his head after he agreed to prevent terrorist groups in Syria from posing a threat to the United States or the region.

Years of civil war and recent natural disasters have left Syrians greatly in need of humanitarian aid, and international relief flights have begun delivering assistance.

The US is set to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid and essential services to Syria while maintaining its strict sanctions regime, according to sources briefed on the decision. The move, expected to be announced soon,