[Today's Prayer] WSJ: "Management network of IS detention camps in Syria collapses… at least 15,000 escaped and fled"

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 20th (local time), U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that at least 15,000 to 20,000 people, including IS members, have escaped from the Al-Hol camp in Syria in recent days.

(Omitted)

About 75% of the detained population consists of members of jihadist groups such as IS and their families. Most of them left the camp last month taking advantage of the Syrian government seizing control of the region, and as of early this week, it is estimated that only 300 to 400 households remain after more than 20,000 people escaped the camp in just a few days.

This area was originally under the de facto control of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). They led the efforts to wipe out the remnants of the caliphate established by IS in 2019 and subsequently took charge of security in the region. However, as interim President Ahmed al-Shara took office last year, the U.S. began supporting the Syrian government forces as well, and last month, the government forces succeeded in driving out the SDF, who call for Kurdish independence, and reclaiming the northeastern region.

Subsequently, the U.S. announced that it would withdraw its troops from Syria. The large-scale escape took place amidst the chaos of changing ruling powers in the region.

(Omitted)

Intelligence authorities are concerned that the withdrawal of U.S. troops is highly likely to increase the possibility of an IS resurgence. IS members are already scattered throughout Syria, and some analyses suggest that they have essentially been raising the next generation of 'fighters' within the detention camps. The WSJ analyzed that "the chaotic dismantling of the Al-Hol camp, occurring as the Donald Trump administration decided to abruptly hand over counter-terrorism efforts to Syria's new leaders, is raising growing questions among government officials, lawmakers, and security analysts."

Source: Nate News

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. (1 Corinthians 9:19)

Heavenly Father, we hear the news that at least 15,000 people, including IS members, have recently escaped from the Al-Hol camp in Syria. We seek Your mercy in the face of this crisis where nations and souls are further threatened during a time of national turmoil following a regime change in Syria.

Lord, please have mercy on those who escaped the camp. For the souls who have lived under oppression for a long time and have been raised as fighters, may Jesus, who is the Truth, come into their hearts so that they do not commit further sins out of hatred and pain. Please come into their empty and parched hearts with Your love and Word, letting them know You and turning their hearts toward You.

Lord, please touch the hearts of the Syrian souls who may be trembling with anxiety due to the sudden escape of the camp detainees. Let them remember the name of Jesus in their fear, and may true peace come upon their hearts as they come before the name of Jesus.

Please grant heavenly wisdom to the Syrian government authorities. May Your hand be with them in the entire process of tracking and managing the escapees so that no loss of life occurs, and may Your justice and order be re-established in Syria.

Lord, even in the midst of Syria's rapidly changing situation, we hope that the Syrian church will stand even firmer upon the rock of faith. Let them willingly become servants to their neighbors who are trembling in fear. Through their service, may the Gospel of the Lord be planted, and may a history of Syrian souls gaining new life take place.

May the Arab church and the global church also stay awake and pray more for Syria. With the heart of a debtor to the Gospel, who gives oneself up to win even one more soul, let us pray together for Syria with tears. As we go out to spread the Gospel, let the yoke of suffering that binds Syria be broken.

Thus, may the Syrian people rise up with the Gospel and become a nation that fulfills the holy mission of wiping away the tears of all nations. May Syria become a holy nation that leads all peoples to the Lord!