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American Veterans Return to Iraq as Christian Soldiers against ISIS

  • Carrie Dedrick Religious persecution, missions, Christianity around the world
  • Updated Mar 03, 2015

Hundreds of Westerners are ready to jump at the opportunity to fight ISIS militants, The Washington Post reports. 

Numerous western foreigners, including U.S. veterans, have travelled to Iraq in hopes of stopping the terrorist group from further destruction. According to Assyrian Patriotic Party secretary general Emanuel  Khoshaba Youkana, hundreds more have requested to join the troops fighting the terrorists. 

Brett, a former member of the Armed Forces who wants to be called only by his first name, said he joined the Christian militia Dwekh Nawsha to follow Jesus’ call. 

“Jesus tells us what you do unto the least of them, you do unto me,” Brett said. “I couldn’t sit back and watch what was happening, women being raped and sold wholesale.”

The 28-year-old had previously served a tour in Iraq in 2006 and 2007. 

Another U.S. veteran named Louis said he is not fighting for a religious cause but related to the fight against ISIS. The 24-year-old former Marine was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after a tour in Afghanistan and was not permitted to serve another tour. 

“I was prepared for this to be a one-way ticket,” Louis said. “I couldn’t adjust to peacetime. The fight for me wasn’t over. I felt I didn’t have a purpose anymore.”

Militia officials continue to receive dozens of inquiries per day from soldiers ready to join the fight. Youkhana said that recruits must pass through an interview process to check their intentions. 

“This place will be flooded. From Australia, Asia, literally everywhere. It’s overwhelming. It’s awesome,” Brett said. 

Publication date: March 3, 2015