Further Assyrian Hostages Released by ISIS


Some of the 43 hostages released
after their year-long captivity.

Islamic militants released a group of 43 Assyrian Christians on February 23rd, after holding the men, women and children hostage for a year. Those released, many of whom are under 10 years of age, are now reunited with their families. Although there are still hostages in the southwestern region of Syria, this final release of the Hasakah province hostages is an immense blessing to the Assyrian Christians who have been tormented by their loved ones' kidnappings.

In February of 2015, ISIS overran dozens of villages along the Khabur River, taking 253 Christians hostage and demanding ransom payments in exchange for their release. Thankfully, the Islamic State-affiliated group in Hasakah has been working through negotiations with the Assyrian Church of the East to secure the hostage release.

Another large group of Assyrian Christians from Qaryatain was abducted last August, and while some have been released, 179 are still in captivity. During the fall of last year, ISIS militants released a video showing the execution of three Assyrian Christian men, while making high ransom demands for the release of the remaining hostages. Previous reports on the critical situation in Syria are available here.

In addition to praising God for His intervention on behalf of the newly released hostages, we can also rejoice with the many families that have been joyfully reunited after their year-long separation. May they receive the Lord's healing and restoration after such a lengthy ordeal. Please continue to pray for all the hostages remaining in captivity, that they will also be protected, strengthened and eventually freed from the control of their captors. Let's also remember the numerous Syrians who have been displaced due to last year's ISIS attacks on their villages. May they receive His clear direction and miraculous provision for their every need.

  • Country Information

    Population
    22,933,531(2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Arab (50), Alawite (15) Kurd (10), Levantine (10) other (15)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (87), Christian (10), Druze (3)

    Leader
    President Bashar al-Asad (2000)

    Government type
    Presidential republic; highly authoritarian regime

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law (for family courts)

    Source: CIA World Factbook.

  • Pray for Syria

    Pray that the Lord of hosts will intervene in Syria to "preserve all who love Him" and "frustrate the way of the wicked" (Psalm 145:20; Psalm 146:9). Ask that the Spirit of God will subvert the rebellion of the militant groups so the "will for peace" shall indeed prevail over "the will for war." May the Lord provide for Syria's churches, ensuring that they are adequately equipped with the necessary ministry tools, resources and workers to continue faithfully serving and ministering as lights in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16).

Syria News

  • Christian Refuses to Turn Over Christian School
    Rockets launched by the Sham Legion - Photo: Wikipedia / Qasioun News Agenc
    The Sham Legion is a group of 19
    Islamist rebel groups in Syria.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Qasioun News Agency (cc)

    Radwan Muhammad is a Kurdish teacher and headmaster for a Christian school in the city of Afrin in northern Syria. He was ordered by the Sham Legion (Faylaq al-Sham) -- a coalition of Sunni Muslim groups -- to turn over the school building for an Islamic school. According to local sources, Radwan told them, "I will hand you the building in one case only: if Jesus Christ comes to earth again."

  • Christians Blocked from Refugee Camps
    Refugee Camp
    Refugee camp
    Photo: Voice of America

    Christians who have fled war-ravaged areas of Syria are facing continued persecution while trying to seek refuge in camps set up in Jordan, Lebanon and elsewhere. A substantial number of them are being blocked by United Nations officials when attempting to enter the camps because the majority of UN officials working in these countries are Muslims. Subsequently, many of the rejected refugees are being forced to live in hiding elsewhere, risking the danger of deportation and/or possible death if found.

  • Christians At Risk
    Hovsep Bedoyan
    Church leader Hovsep Bedoyan
    Photo: Middle East Concern /
    Middle East Council of Churches

    When American troops pulled out of Syria, and Turkish troops moved in to establish a "safe zone" in northeast Syria, there were understandable concerns about the safety of the people living in this area. Turkish authorities gave assurances that their forces would not persecute religious minorities, including a significant number of Christians. However, recent reports have indicated otherwise.