Syria (MNN) — Events in fragile Syria continue to unfold at a furious pace. Two days after the Assad regime fell, the rebels who toppled it have named a new transitional prime minister.

Other nations have taken one step closer to the fray. Since Sunday, Israel has launched more than 300 airstrikes on weapons stockpiles and military infrastructure in Syria. It also has seized “temporary” control of a buffer zone between the two nations.

“There’s a power vacuum right now,” says Mark* with Global Catalytic Ministries. “They (Israel) don’t want to see whoever grab these stockpiles of [chemical] weapons, of munitions that will eventually be used by someone hostile to Israel.”

He says that although Israel is denying reports that their troops are advancing into Syria, “a lot of people on the ground are saying they see armor vehicles from Israel 15 miles out from Damascus, which is a really significant thing. We haven’t seen anything like this [before], which is provoking a strong response from its (Syria’s) neighbors, [including] Turkey.”

Türkiye and other nations have denounced Israel’s actions, while the UK and US are more supportive of Israel’s security concerns. Türkiye’s precise involvement in the events of the past two weeks is unclear, but it’s of course deeply interested in what happens in Syria. It has also had troops in northern Syria since 2016. Meanwhile the US has itself carried out strikes this week on more than 75 Islamic State targets in Syria.

It’s complicated, to say the least. 

“We’re in a time that’s uncharted territory. We’re seeing a radical shift on the ground almost comparable to the Arab Spring,” Mark says.

“It could increase into a serious escalation in the region. This (Israel’s actions) could pull Turkey in, which would cause a lot of issues, because they’re a NATO member.”

Syria’s new interim prime minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, is closely tied with the leading Syrian rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Despite their promises of moderation, HTS still has an Islamic agenda. The UN, UK and United States all designate HTS as a terrorist group, though there is talk of whether to change that. We’ll see what happens. 

“It’s really a time for the underground church to hold the ground and start to multiply disciples in the midst of that, because this is where we hold the ground and demonstrate the gospel,” Mark says, “Because there’s going to be a lot of people that are suddenly shocked at how radical this group is. Even though it’s a different change of pace from Assad’s regime, it’s still going to be a very, very difficult situation for both the Muslims and the Christians.

(Image courtesy Global Catalytic Ministries)

“There’s not going to be a democratic government installed by any means,” he adds.  

If you take only one thing away from this story, pray for Syria and for boldness for the underground church! 

“There’s a significant population of Christians, even though it’s dwindled in Aleppo from 250,000 at the beginning of the civil war to now down to 25,000. With stricter Islamic rule coming into place, the persecution is going to increase even more,” Mark says. 

Pray for Jesus to make Himself known in the midst of the unfolding chaos. Connect with Global Catalytic Ministries to support their work in Syria and beyond.  

“We have strategically placed disciple-makers within the region that I believe this is going to be an hour for them to reveal Jesus,” says Mark. “There will be a lot of people really feeling hopeless that are going to grab hold of that hope.”

 

*Name withheld for security

Header photo: Syrians in Germany celebrate Fall of Assad Regime, 8 December 2024 (Photo courtesy of Shark1989z via Wikimedia Commons – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)