Recent Situation in Syria and Prayer Requests

Hyun-ji Jin

Head of the Middle East and Arab Studies Association

On November 28, the day after Israel and Hezbollah entered a temporary truce (November 27), a large-scale offensive by rebels began in the so-called “de-escalation zone” in Syria. In less than 48 hours, the rebels entered Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, and took control without significant resistance from the Syrian government forces or the Russian air force. They also advanced to key strategic points in northwestern Idlib province and the fourth-largest city, Hama, in the central region.

According to Yonhap News (December 1, 2024), HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), which controls most of Idlib province and parts of the nearby Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia provinces in northwestern Syria, is considered the most powerful rebel group in Syria. Similar in nature to Al-Qaeda, HTS adheres to Sunni Islamic fundamentalist Salafism and jihadism, with the ultimate goal of establishing an Islamist state, opposing the government forces. In the past, the Aleppo area was controlled by the Bashar al-Assad regime with the help of Iran, Russia, and Lebanon’s Hezbollah alliance. This recapture of Aleppo by the rebels is the first since the Syrian civil war began in 2016, happening after 8 years.

Current Situation and Prayer Requests from a Syrian Ministry Worker (2024.12.05)

After Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, fell to the rebels, there are reports that their forces are gradually advancing toward the capital, Damascus. If the strategic cities of Hama and Homs also fall to the rebels, the capital may once again face great difficulties. Currently, the rebels are fighting around Hama to push southwards. There is a lot of media disinformation regarding the rebels’ movements, making it extremely difficult to obtain accurate information. As a result, people living in the capital fear being once again engulfed by the whirlwind of war. Among the rebels are Islamic fundamentalists, causing greater concern among Christians in the country.

It seemed that after the long civil war the situation was stabilizing and the country was moving toward openness, but suddenly it has become a proxy battleground for many countries once more. The exchange rate has suddenly skyrocketed, and a silent war is taking place in the capital.

On the other hand, some Syrians who dislike government rule are pleased that Aleppo has been “freed” from the government. Those living in government-controlled cities dislike government control, but they live resignedly, aware they are under surveillance.

With the rebel forces in the northwest, Kurdish forces in the northeast, remaining ISIS fighters, and small groups seeking to escape government control, Syria now finds itself in the eye of a storm, potentially heading toward another large-scale civil war.

Syria is a strongly socialist state with a powerful intelligence apparatus, meaning that foreigners face extreme restrictions and can be expelled at any time. Although there are many churches, it’s hard to find churches clearly centered on the gospel. In the midst of this situation, after praying for local believers, God led us to a healthy church, allowing us to unite and cooperate with it. Despite security issues and fear, we are preparing to resume mission training in partnership with the evangelical churches of this land.

Prayer Requests

1. After 14 years of unending war, the news of war had only just begun to subside, and it seemed as if the country might open up. But now, news of another war is causing tension across the nation. Syrians, unable to predict what lies ahead, are exhausted by the endless war news. They desperately need true comfort. May God pour out His compassion on these helpless people who have nowhere to go, and may they truly meet God, who is the Truth, in their time of hardship.

2. If the war spreads to Damascus, things will truly become uncontrollable. The rebels include Islamic fundamentalists, and many Christians who suffered greatly during the last war are once again trembling in fear. Please pray that believers in this land will hold fast to the Lord during this time.

3. Pray for the churches in this land. During the previous war, they did not hold onto Jesus but clung to money, losing God’s righteousness. Because they were wary of the government, influenced by political relations, the churches failed to be a true light. Now, as the Lord gives another chance, may the churches here repent and become the true light that brings God’s righteousness to this land.

4. In Syria, young men must serve 8 to 10 years if they join the army. Due to this, many young men flee the country illegally or hide quietly. Now, rumors abound that, given the current war situation, young men might just be forcibly taken away. They are even more afraid. Pray that young men will not be taken away mercilessly and made into cannon fodder. May the Lord protect the youth.

5. Since the rebels are composed of foreigners, the suspicion and wariness toward foreigners has reached its peak. Many missionaries from various countries serve in this land. May the Lord protect all the missionaries here and, through them, may God’s kingdom be proclaimed more swiftly in this land.

References

Yoo, Hyunmin. (December 1, 2024). Syrian Rebels Recapture Aleppo After 8 Years... Government Forces "Redeploy Troops" (Summary). Yonhap News. Retrieved from https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20241130042851099?input=1195m