Hundreds of families have fled the Christian town of Sadad after IS captured nearby Al-Qaryatain and abducted 230 of its residents, including at least 60 Christians. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said those abducted were on an IS 'wanted' list for 'collaborating with the regime', which could mean their lives are in danger. Some reports suggest some Christians have since been released.
Many of the Christians abducted from Al-Qaryatain on August 6 had sought refuge in the town after fleeing from Aleppo in the north. IS militants also launched an attack on the Assyrian village of Hawwarin, causing about 2,000 Assyrian Christians to flee.
In February, IS kidnapped up to 220 Assyrian Christians in the north-eastern province of Hassaka (Prayer Alert, February 25). Only a few have been released. Christians in IS-held territories have been confronted with stark choices: convert to Islam, flee or die.
- Please pray that God will protect and deliver to safety those abducted by IS.
- Pray that He will comfort and provide for those who have had to flee their homes.
- Pray for an end to the bloodshed in Syria and across the Middle East.