Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
China Warns US on Taiwan: ‘Playing With Fire’
China's government protested U.S. military aid to Taiwan, warning that the U.S. is "playing with fire" and cautioning that such actions "will get the U.S. burned."
Pentagon: US Has 2,000 Troops in Syria, Not 900 as Previously Stated
The US Defense Department confirmed Thursday that there are actually around 2,000 American troops currently deployed in Syria, rather than the previously stated figure of around 900, MediaLine reports. The updated information follows the ouster of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamic insurgent group on December 1.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian-Backed Iraqi Militias Declare Halt to Actions Against Israel
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have reportedly agreed to cease actions against Israel, according to the Hezbollah-affiliated newspaper Al-Akhbar.
Israel Intercepts Ballistic Missile Launched From Yemen
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward central Israel in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The projectile, which triggered sirens across central and southern Israel, was intercepted before entering Israeli airspace, preventing any potential damage or casualties.
Inside the United States
Biden Defends Commuting Death Sentences After Vatican Pressure (Worthy News Focus)
U.S. President Joe Biden defended his decision to commute the death sentences of 37 inmates Monday, citing “moral and policy” objections, after facing pressure from the Vatican and others opposing capital punishment.
Trump Vows to Designate Mexican Cartels as Terrorists, Announces Anti-Drug Ad Blitz
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday his intention to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations in an effort to combat the growing influence and violence associated with these groups. In addition, he revealed plans to launch a comprehensive anti-drug advertising campaign within the United States.
Biden Stops Execution of Nearly All Death Row Inmates
President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 Americans on federal death row on Monday.
SCOTUS to Hear Case on Defunding Planned Parenthood Abortion Provider
The US Supreme Court on Wednesday (Dec. 18) agreed to consider a request by South Carolina to deny public funding to Planned Parenthood on the grounds that, in addition to providing healthcare services, it is the nation’s leading abortion provider, Reuters reports.
Christian News
Hundreds of Christians Flee Papua Violence
Hundreds of displaced Christian residents will likely celebrate Christmas outside their homes in an area of Indonesia's conflict-stricken easternmost Papua province unless Indonesian security forces withdraw there, a bishop says.
Sudan Christians In Crossfire; Prayers Urged
With Christmas approaching, Christians urged prayers for their community in war-stricken Sudan, saying they are in the crossfire as a bishop and a pastor were among those being attacked.
China Warns US on Taiwan: ‘Playing With Fire’
China's government protested U.S. military aid to Taiwan, warning that the U.S. is "playing with fire" and cautioning that such actions "will get the U.S. burned."
Pentagon: US Has 2,000 Troops in Syria, Not 900 as Previously Stated
The US Defense Department confirmed Thursday that there are actually around 2,000 American troops currently deployed in Syria, rather than the previously stated figure of around 900, MediaLine reports. The updated information follows the ouster of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamic insurgent group on December 1.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian-Backed Iraqi Militias Declare Halt to Actions Against Israel
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have reportedly agreed to cease actions against Israel, according to the Hezbollah-affiliated newspaper Al-Akhbar.
Israel Intercepts Ballistic Missile Launched From Yemen
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward central Israel in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The projectile, which triggered sirens across central and southern Israel, was intercepted before entering Israeli airspace, preventing any potential damage or casualties.
Inside the United States
Biden Defends Commuting Death Sentences After Vatican Pressure (Worthy News Focus)
U.S. President Joe Biden defended his decision to commute the death sentences of 37 inmates Monday, citing “moral and policy” objections, after facing pressure from the Vatican and others opposing capital punishment.
Trump Vows to Designate Mexican Cartels as Terrorists, Announces Anti-Drug Ad Blitz
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday his intention to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations in an effort to combat the growing influence and violence associated with these groups. In addition, he revealed plans to launch a comprehensive anti-drug advertising campaign within the United States.
Biden Stops Execution of Nearly All Death Row Inmates
President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 Americans on federal death row on Monday.
SCOTUS to Hear Case on Defunding Planned Parenthood Abortion Provider
The US Supreme Court on Wednesday (Dec. 18) agreed to consider a request by South Carolina to deny public funding to Planned Parenthood on the grounds that, in addition to providing healthcare services, it is the nation’s leading abortion provider, Reuters reports.
Christian News
Hundreds of Christians Flee Papua Violence
Hundreds of displaced Christian residents will likely celebrate Christmas outside their homes in an area of Indonesia's conflict-stricken easternmost Papua province unless Indonesian security forces withdraw there, a bishop says.
Sudan Christians In Crossfire; Prayers Urged
With Christmas approaching, Christians urged prayers for their community in war-stricken Sudan, saying they are in the crossfire as a bishop and a pastor were among those being attacked.
Around the World
Biden Administration Removes Bounty On Syria’s New Leader, Signals Policy Shift
U.S. sanctions on Syria remain intact following a Friday meeting between the U.S. State Department and de facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Golani). However, the bounty on al-Sharaa has been lifted, signaling a notable shift in U.S.-Syria relations.
US kills ISIS leader Abu Yusif As Group Tries to Free Operatives in Syria
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that its forces carried out a precision airstrike on Thursday in Syria's Dayr az Zawr Province, targeting ISIS leader Abu Yusif. The strike successfully eliminated him along with another ISIS operative. This action comes as the U.S. intensifies efforts to prevent the terrorist group's attempts to liberate 8,000 ISIS operatives currently detained in Syrian jails.
At Least 5 Killed In German Christmas Market Attack
Authorities say at least five people have been killed, including a child, and more than 200 injured after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg. The German chancellor has expressed his shock about the apparent attack.
Russian Missiles Rain Down On Ukraine; Numerous Killed and Injured
The second oldest church in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, was among sites hit by Russian ballistic missiles and other weapons, killing at least two personals and injuring over 20 people, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said his forces were winning on the bloodstained frontlines.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Fumes Over Pope’s Gaza Remarks After ‘Dozens’ Die In Strikes
Israel lashed out at Pope Francis for condemning Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and suggesting the world should investigate whether Israel’s military offensive there constitutes a “genocide” after dozens of Palestinians, including children, allegedly died in weekend attacks.
US Strikes Houthis After Rocket From Yemen Injures Dozens In Israel
The U.S. military says it has conducted airstrikes targeting a missile storage facility and a command-and-control post operated by Houthis in Yemen after the Iran-backed group struck Israel, injuring dozens of people.
Inside the United States
Biden Signs Stopgap Funding Bill After Last-Minute Votes in Congress
President Joe Biden on Saturday signed the Continuing Resolution approved by Congress that keeps the federal government operating until March.
Trump Promises to Cut ‘Hundreds of Billions’ in Federal Spending Next Year
President-elect Donald Trump promised to cut "hundreds of billions" in federal spending in 2025 after demanding Congress pass a short-term measure to fund the government that includes lifting the debt ceiling.
Biden Administration Removes Bounty On Syria’s New Leader, Signals Policy Shift
U.S. sanctions on Syria remain intact following a Friday meeting between the U.S. State Department and de facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Golani). However, the bounty on al-Sharaa has been lifted, signaling a notable shift in U.S.-Syria relations.
US kills ISIS leader Abu Yusif As Group Tries to Free Operatives in Syria
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that its forces carried out a precision airstrike on Thursday in Syria's Dayr az Zawr Province, targeting ISIS leader Abu Yusif. The strike successfully eliminated him along with another ISIS operative. This action comes as the U.S. intensifies efforts to prevent the terrorist group's attempts to liberate 8,000 ISIS operatives currently detained in Syrian jails.
At Least 5 Killed In German Christmas Market Attack
Authorities say at least five people have been killed, including a child, and more than 200 injured after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg. The German chancellor has expressed his shock about the apparent attack.
Russian Missiles Rain Down On Ukraine; Numerous Killed and Injured
The second oldest church in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, was among sites hit by Russian ballistic missiles and other weapons, killing at least two personals and injuring over 20 people, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said his forces were winning on the bloodstained frontlines.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Fumes Over Pope’s Gaza Remarks After ‘Dozens’ Die In Strikes
Israel lashed out at Pope Francis for condemning Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and suggesting the world should investigate whether Israel’s military offensive there constitutes a “genocide” after dozens of Palestinians, including children, allegedly died in weekend attacks.
US Strikes Houthis After Rocket From Yemen Injures Dozens In Israel
The U.S. military says it has conducted airstrikes targeting a missile storage facility and a command-and-control post operated by Houthis in Yemen after the Iran-backed group struck Israel, injuring dozens of people.
Inside the United States
Biden Signs Stopgap Funding Bill After Last-Minute Votes in Congress
President Joe Biden on Saturday signed the Continuing Resolution approved by Congress that keeps the federal government operating until March.
Trump Promises to Cut ‘Hundreds of Billions’ in Federal Spending Next Year
President-elect Donald Trump promised to cut "hundreds of billions" in federal spending in 2025 after demanding Congress pass a short-term measure to fund the government that includes lifting the debt ceiling.
Around the World
U.S. Fears ‘Ticking Time Bomb’ with ISIS Jailbreak in Syria
U.S. officials expressed to Politico their concern over a potential nightmare scenario involving an ISIS jailbreak, which could instantly create a "ticking time bomb" by forming a terrorist army in Syria.
Russia Seen Moving Weapons To Libya
Russia is moving advanced air defense systems and weapons from Syria to Libya following the ouster of long-time Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, a close ally, Libyan officials said Thursday.
Nuclear Deal With Iran ‘No Longer Useful’ Says Atomic Regulator
The United Nations’ top atomic regulator has warned that reviving a nuclear deal with Iran is “no longer useful” as the Islamic Republic is on the verge of having nuclear weapons.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Yemen: Nine Killed in Israeli Strikes After Houthi Missile Damages School, “Whoever Harms Us Will Be Harmed Sevenfold”
After an empty school in central Israel was damaged by a partially intercepted Houthi missile overnight, Israel carried out retaliatory air strikes in Yemen which killed nine people on Thursday morning, Deutsche Welle (DW) reports. No one was injured in the Houthi strike but extensive damage was caused to the school and to surrounding cars in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv.
Inside the United States
House Republicans Reach Scaled-Back Stopgap Deal
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., introduced a new stopgap plan late Thursday afternoon after consulting with members of President-elect Donald Trump’s team earlier in the day – with a partial government shutdown looming late Friday.
Georgia’s Court of Appeals Disqalifies Prosecutor In Trump Election Case
U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump received a major legal victory Thursday as a court in the U.S. state of Georgia disqualified the Atlanta prosecutor who brought an election interference case against him and his allies.
DOJ Sues Georgia City for Trying to Shut Down Christian Homeless Ministry
The United States Department of Justice has filed suit against the city of Brunswick in Georgia for wrongfully trying to shut down a Christian charity that has served the homeless since 2014, the Christian Post reports.
Christian News
Gunmen Attack Church In Syria; Suspects Detained
Christians expressed concern Thursday about the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Syria, a day after gunmen attacked an Orthodox church in the west-central city of Hama following other anti-Christian incidents.
Pakistan: Young Christian Girl Escapes From Man Who Forced Her to Marry Him
A Christian family in Pakistan’s Sindh Province is rejoicing over the return of their 15-year-old daughter after she escaped from the Islamist who abducted her and forced her to marry him earlier this year, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
10 More Christians Killed In Mozambique
The Christian community in northern Mozambique prepares for a violent Christmas after at least ten more Christians were killed by Islamists in the closing days of November, Worthy News learned Wednesday.
Vietnam: Two House Church Pastors Wounded in Separate Shooting Incidents
Two house church pastors in Vietnam have been wounded in separate shooting incidents they each believe are connected to their congregations not not being registered with the Vietnamese communist government, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
U.S. Fears ‘Ticking Time Bomb’ with ISIS Jailbreak in Syria
U.S. officials expressed to Politico their concern over a potential nightmare scenario involving an ISIS jailbreak, which could instantly create a "ticking time bomb" by forming a terrorist army in Syria.
Russia Seen Moving Weapons To Libya
Russia is moving advanced air defense systems and weapons from Syria to Libya following the ouster of long-time Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, a close ally, Libyan officials said Thursday.
Nuclear Deal With Iran ‘No Longer Useful’ Says Atomic Regulator
The United Nations’ top atomic regulator has warned that reviving a nuclear deal with Iran is “no longer useful” as the Islamic Republic is on the verge of having nuclear weapons.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Yemen: Nine Killed in Israeli Strikes After Houthi Missile Damages School, “Whoever Harms Us Will Be Harmed Sevenfold”
After an empty school in central Israel was damaged by a partially intercepted Houthi missile overnight, Israel carried out retaliatory air strikes in Yemen which killed nine people on Thursday morning, Deutsche Welle (DW) reports. No one was injured in the Houthi strike but extensive damage was caused to the school and to surrounding cars in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv.
Inside the United States
House Republicans Reach Scaled-Back Stopgap Deal
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., introduced a new stopgap plan late Thursday afternoon after consulting with members of President-elect Donald Trump’s team earlier in the day – with a partial government shutdown looming late Friday.
Georgia’s Court of Appeals Disqalifies Prosecutor In Trump Election Case
U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump received a major legal victory Thursday as a court in the U.S. state of Georgia disqualified the Atlanta prosecutor who brought an election interference case against him and his allies.
DOJ Sues Georgia City for Trying to Shut Down Christian Homeless Ministry
The United States Department of Justice has filed suit against the city of Brunswick in Georgia for wrongfully trying to shut down a Christian charity that has served the homeless since 2014, the Christian Post reports.
Christian News
Gunmen Attack Church In Syria; Suspects Detained
Christians expressed concern Thursday about the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Syria, a day after gunmen attacked an Orthodox church in the west-central city of Hama following other anti-Christian incidents.
Pakistan: Young Christian Girl Escapes From Man Who Forced Her to Marry Him
A Christian family in Pakistan’s Sindh Province is rejoicing over the return of their 15-year-old daughter after she escaped from the Islamist who abducted her and forced her to marry him earlier this year, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
10 More Christians Killed In Mozambique
The Christian community in northern Mozambique prepares for a violent Christmas after at least ten more Christians were killed by Islamists in the closing days of November, Worthy News learned Wednesday.
Vietnam: Two House Church Pastors Wounded in Separate Shooting Incidents
Two house church pastors in Vietnam have been wounded in separate shooting incidents they each believe are connected to their congregations not not being registered with the Vietnamese communist government, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.