Thursday, November 19, 2015
French police announced they were able to identify the body of the mastermind of the Paris terror attacks after raiding an apartment in Saint-Denis, near Paris. Killed in the attack were a female wearing suicide vest, who detonated the vest as police approached, and her male cousin–the mastermind of the attacks.
Many others linked to the terror cell are still at large, and authorities in Belgium and France are carrying out raids that have netted the arrests of several Islamic extremists.
Praise God! Thank You Father for giving the police the means to find these two and deal justice to their actions. Unmask the hidden things and reveal the whereabouts of dangerous ISIS members and sympathizers. For those considering joining ISIS, send family members or friends to bring truth and love to help them choose life instead of death. Continue to comfort all those who mourn.
Luke 8:17 – For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
FBI Director, Attorney General Say U.S. Safe from Terrorists
FBI Director James Comey
Loretta Lynch, U.S. Attorney General and James Comey, FBI Director gave a press conference Thursday, saying the United States is safe and we are ready to provide aid to our allies all around the world–especially the French. Lynch said, “We are acting to diffuse threats as soon as they emerge.”
Comey commented they are not aware of any credible threat against the U.S. He said they looked for connections with Paris, and there were none. He urged citizens, “Do not let fear become disabling… instead turn fear into healthy awareness.” Comey also advised people to report all suspicions to the police and they will check it out.
Why this Matters: There are 900 active FBI ISIS cases, four dozen of which are subject to 24-hour surveillance. ISIS has been releasing new videos threatening attacks on the U.S., but Director Comey says none of these are credible. We should to expect heightened security during the holidays at airports and in other public places.
How to Pray: O, God, we are so thankful to have a country with the resources and committed personnel who want to protect us. Thank You, Father for our country and the way You have blessed us. Keep us safe and help us to lift up the name of Jesus. Make us ready for any opportunity to share the Good News with those who have ears to hear.
1 Peter 4:10 – As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle
ISIS Targets Ravaged
France, Russia, and the U.S. pummeled ISIS, dropping hundreds of bombs in Raqqa, Syria, the de facto capitol of ISIS. Leaders were seen fleeing the city, heading east towards Mosul, Iraq, which is an ISIS stronghold. The Pentagon says 19 airstrikes were carried out against ISIS in Iraq on Wednesday, hitting targets throughout the country.
- U.S. and Turkish officials announced they will launch a joint effort to create a safe-zone on the border between Turkey and Syria for refugees. No specifics were given.
On Monday, the U.S. military destroyed 116 ISIS oil trucks in Syria. ISIS nets $1 million a day in black market oil sales. Before the Paris attacks, these targets were off limits because the truck drivers were considered civilians. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter says the U.S. may ramp up the effort against ISIS and loosen the rules of engagement.
Why this Matters: Currently, President Obama doesn’t allow collateral damage, such as civilian deaths. For example, U.S. military forces cannot strike the ISIS headquarters building because prisoners are housed in the basement. This severely limits the military’s ability to engage. There is also an extra layer of approvals needed for air strikes that slows the military’s efforts. We cannot go to war trying to protect the enemy. It makes us double-minded.
How to Pray: Father, show President Obama where he is needlessly hindering our armed forces and how he is confusing their efforts. Protect them as they continue to strike ISIS.
James 1:8 – A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.
Praying Citizen 
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