Habakkuk 1:5 Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. -LORD God
President Recep Erdogan is defending Turkey’s decision to move into Syria. Erdogan is threatening to open Turkey’s borders to Europe with 3.6 million refugees if the European Union is insistent on calling the operation an invasion and occupation.
The link below is from the Twitter feed of the Turkish media outlet Anadolu Agency.
The United States Government is divided in how to manage the situation. President Trump has authorized the removal of US troops. Trump has indicated he was elected to get the United States out of pointless wars.
I was elected on getting out of these ridiculous endless wars, where our great Military functions as a policing operation to the benefit of people who don’t even like the USA. The two most unhappy countries at this move are Russia & China, because they love seeing us bogged…..
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina and others indicate Trump has betrayed Kurdish allies in the Middle East by leaving them vulnerable without US military assets. There is bipartisan support for sanctions against Turkey.
I am pleased to have reached a bipartisan agreement with Senator @ChrisVanHollen on severe sanctions against Turkey for their invasion of Syria.
While the Administration refuses to act against Turkey, I expect strong bipartisan support. pic.twitter.com/Ph5fIVt7k3
International response is opposed to Turkey’s move into Syria.
The majority of the military intervention is currently taking place from the Euphrates River in the west to the Tigris River in the far east border of Syria.
Ezekiel 38:1-3 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-Togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.
The brothers of Magog (Meshech, Gomer, and Tubal) appear to point to modern day Turkey.
Russia will be joined by several countries in their future invasion of Israel (Ezekiel 38-39). One of those countries is modern day Turkey.
At some point in the future, Russia is prophesied to invade Israel. The Bible says Russia and Turkey are going to join forces (Ezekiel 38-39).
Turkish Controlled Northern Syria, August 8, 2019: President Donald Trump has indicated the United States will withdraw US troops from the area. Turkey indicates an operation will be taking place.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu made the following comments.
“In a telephone call with our president, the US president informed us that the US would be vacating the area. We will discuss the question of coordination after the withdrawal takes place. The agreement with the US on the creation of a safe zone is a very important first step.”
“Our decision is to create a safe zone so that there are no terrorists there from the Syrian Kurdish self-defense forces and the Kurdistan Workers Party. But we will not allow this agreement to be turned into the [US] Roadmap for Manbij.”
Historically, the Turkish government under the leadership of President Recep Erdogan considers Kurdish forces and the Kurdistan Workers Party as terrorists.
In response, Syria is not approving of the arrangement. Syria understands this will likely mean more Turkish troops in their country. Syria has concerns of their sovereignty being threatened. The Syrian government considers the situation “dangerous”.
Social media sources indicate Turkey has already begun sending armed forces to the Syrian border north of the town of Kobani, Syria. The location is east of the Euphrates River.
With recent history as a guide… When the United States leaves an area in the Middle East, a vacuum is created. And each time, Biblical prophecy comes into focus. In this case, Turkey continues it’s march south towards Israel and its date with destiny as prophesied by Ezekiel 38-39.
Ezekiel 38:1-3 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-Togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.
The brothers of Magog (Meshech, Gomer, and Tubal) appear to point to modern day Turkey.
Russia will be joined by several countries in their future invasion of Israel (Ezekiel 38-39). One of those countries is modern day Turkey.
At some point in the future, the Bible says Russia and Turkey are going to join forces and invade Israel…
Ezekiel 38:1-3 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-Togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.
The brothers of Magog (Meshech, Gomer, and Tubal) appear to point to modern day Turkey.
For more evidence pointing to modern day Turkey, see the link below.
December 12, 2018: Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan announced he is looking to advance military troops into Syria. His stated goal is to remove a terrorist threat. The threat is land possessed by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units or also known as the YPG.
The YPG has been working with the United States as well as the Syrian Democratic Forces or the SDF. These three groups have been focused on ISIS.
“We will start an operation to free the east of the Euphrates from the separatist terrorist organisation in the next few days,” stated Erdogan.
Click on the video link below for additional geography and analysis.
Click on the video link above for additional geography and analysis
The United States and YPG are located east and west of the Euphrates River. US military forces are located in the city of Manbij, Syria.
Erdogan appears to mean business. Sources indicate Turkey is moving equipment on the Syrian border town of Akcakale. Border walls on the Turkey/Syrian border town of Ras al-Ayn are being taken down by the Turks.
The United States is reported to have forces near Ras al-Ayn and Manbij in Syria.
Recent history shows Recep Erdogan is a man of his word. Look for things to heat up on the Euphrates River in northern Syria.
Ezekiel 38:1-3 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-Togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.
For information linking modern day Turkey to ancient Meshech, Tubal, Beth-Togarmah, and Gomer, see the link below.
Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan has never liked the idea of the Kurdish people. He considers them to be terrorists. He vows to take out the “terrorist corridor” along Turkey’s southern border.
See video link below for geography and analysis.
With Operation Euphrates Shield, Turkey crossed the Syrian border and drove a wedge in the area occupied by the Kurds. The plan to remove the Kurds from the region west of the Euphrates River began in earnest in the summer of 2017.
Operation Olive Branch was launched in February 2018. In a little over one month, the Turks now control northwest Syria and the Kurdish stronghold area of Afrin. Remember, this is happening in the country of Syria.
“The symbols of peace and security now wave in Afrin’s city center, not the rags of the terrorist organization. Most of the terrorists tucked their tails between their legs and fled. Our special units and members of the Free Syrian Army are cleaning up the remains of the sword and the traps they left behind.”
“We will now add the full stop, God willing … We will now continue to Manbij, Ain el-Arab, Tal Abyad Ras al-Ain and Qamishli until the terrorist corridor is gone.” -Turkish President Recep Erdogan
Recep Erdogan has every intention of going all the way east into Iraq.
Vladimir Putin was recently reelected to serve again as Russian president. Putin garnered 76% of the vote. His closest rival Alexei Navalny was barred from participating due to alleged embezzlement charges. Also, it should be noted that alleged voter irregularities will be fully investigated.
“The percentage that we have just seen speaks for itself. It’s a mandate which Putin needs for future decisions, and he has a lot of them to make,” Putin Spokesman.
Russia continues to pour military resources into Syria. Sputnik News out of Russia is quoting Twitter. Here is the quote from the article.
Known as one of the most effective jammers in the world, the Russian helicopter-based radio electronic warfare system Rychag-AV is capable of protecting the entire vehicle by “blinding” all enemy warplanes and missiles within several hundred kilometers.
With Erdogan’s reelection in April of 2017, he potentially can remain in power in Turkey until 2029. Putin’s recent election win allows him a second six-year term to remain in power in Russia until 2024. Putin and Erdogan both have political capital with their recent election wins. They are and will continue to spend their capital.
And the military build continues towards Israel. Fulfilled prophecy awaits.
Ezekiel 39:6 I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Iraq has begun a “major” military operation to gain control of oil fields and military bases in the Kurdistan region near Kirkuk.
Jeremiah 51 and Isaiah 13 are dedicated to the future judgment of Babylon (modern day Iraq). The prophets state Babylonian judgment will take place at the hands of the Medes (modern day Kurds). These passages speak to the complete destruction of Babylon and it is never again to be inhabited by people.
Are we witnessing the beginning of the fulfillment of these prophecies? Here are references related to the actors.
Jeremiah 51:1-2 Thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will stir up the spirit of a destroyer against Babylon, against the inhabitants of Leb-kamai, and I will send to Babylon winnowers, and they shall winnow her, and they shall empty her land, when they come against her from every side on the day of trouble.
Jeremiah 51:11 “Sharpen the arrows! Take up the shields!
The LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because his purpose concerning Babylon is to destroy it, for that is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance for His temple.
Jeremiah 51:28-29 Prepare the nations for war against her, the kings of the Medes, with their governors and deputies, and every land under their dominion. The land trembles and writhes in pain, for the LORD’s purposes against Babylon stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant.
Isaiah 13:17-22 Behold, I am stirring up the Medes against them, who have no regard for silver and do not delight in gold. Their bows will slaughter the young men; they will have no mercy on the fruit of the womb; their eyes will not pity children. And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the splendor and pomp of the Chaldeans, will be like Sodom and Gomorrah when God overthrew them. It will never be inhabited or lived in for all generations; no Arab will pitch his tent there; no shepherds will make their flocks lie down there. But wild animals will lie down there, and their houses will be full of howling creatures; there ostriches will dwell, and there wild goats will dance. Hyenas will cry in its towers, and jackals in the pleasant palaces; its time is close at hand and its days will not be prolonged.
Scripture is pretty clear. We know how it will end. These events are likely to have many twists and turns. Is this the beginning of the end for Babylon??? We don’t know. Time will tell. At the least, these events in Iraq are likely to have an impact on our world.
Genesis 11:1-2, Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there.
Genesis 11:9a Therefore its name was called Babel…
This area in Genesis 11 was established around 2,100 BC. Shinar is another name for Babylon.
Click on video link below for additional geography and analysis.
Ancient Babylon is the home and setting to the writings of the prophet Daniel. Babylon under the leadership of King Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem. Jewish captives were taken and exported to Babylon in 606 BC.
Daniel 1:2b …And he (Nebuchadnezzar) brought them to the land of Shinar…
Daniel was a member of the party of people taken from Jerusalem.
Daniel 1:6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah.
The prophet Daniel served the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar as a young man. Later in his life as an older man, Daniel would serve the Medo-Persian Empire under King Darius the Mede and King Cyrus the Persian.
Daniel 6:28So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Media or the Medes were located north of ancient Babylon. Ancient Media is consistent with the modern day group of people called the Kurds.
This is modern day, 21st century Iraq. It appears the ancient rivalry of the Babylonians (Iraq) and the Medes (Kurdistan) is on the verge of being reignited. The Kurds recently voted to become an independent nation, Kurdistan. None of their Middle East neighbors approve of the will of the Kurdish people. Turkey, Iran, and Iraq consider the Kurds terrorists.
seekingalpha.com
The issue is oil. The Kurds gained control of the oil fields as a result of ISIS invading the area. Kurdish reserves are estimated to be at 45 billion barrels of oil. The Kurds can move approximately 700,000 barrels per day. The oil and gas pipelines run through primarily Kurdish territory on their way to the open market.Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan has threatened to close off the flow of Kurdish oil. “Who are they going to sell the oil to? If we close the valve, their income is gone too.”
Turkey and Iraq have been completing joint military exercises since the Kurds voted for their independence. President Erdogan is also quoted as saying, “We may arrive one night, suddenly.”
October 13, 2014: Iraqi troops are on the move towards Kirkuk. The Iraqi government wants to retake control of the oil fields currently managed by the Kurds. Iraq has deployed troops about 10 km (6 miles) south of Kirkuk. The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Squad is on location. And the 9th Armored Division of the Iraqi Army is nearby in Tazza.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi does not want to engage the Kurds, but “federal authority has to be imposed in Kirkuk and the disputed areas.”
For their part, the Kurds are sending thousands of troops for reinforcement to Kirkuk.
“We call on all components of the Kurdish people…to prepare fully to respond to those who want war and battle, and to support the Peshmerga forces by all means in order to save the cities of Kurdistan. We want to avoid our cities becoming like Mosul, Anbar and other Iraqi cities which have been afflicted by mass murder, devastation, and destruction.” -Nejervan Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)
Here is a thought. Jeremiah 51 promises the future destruction of Babylon. Are we entering this time and event?
Jeremiah 51:28-29 Prepare the nations for war against her, the kings of the Medes, with their governors and deputies, and every land under their dominion. The land trembles and writhes in pain, for the LORD’s purposes against Babylon stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant.
Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame…
Roughly 2,600 years ago the prophet Jeremiah wrote about the eventual destruction of Damascus in Jeremiah 49. See also Isaiah 17. In the northern part of Syria is Aleppo. Ancient Arpad is located approximately 10 miles north of modern day Aleppo. Moving south in Syria, the next location is ancient Hamath or modern day Hama. Hamath was the capital of the northern kingdom of ancient Syria.
September 26, 2017: Russia is pounding the area to the west of the two ancient cities in the Idlib province. The Idlib province is home to Sunni rebel forces of Al Nusra or Al Qaeda of Syria. Russia continues its support of the Assad’s Shia government in Syria. Russia is bombing throughout the province continually.
Russia has introduced its most advanced fighter jet (the MiG 29SMT) into the conflict. The MiG 29SMT is stationed near Latakia, Syria. For detail and specifics of the jet’s capabilities, see the link below.
The Assad Syrian government claims Russia has constructed pontoon bridges across the Euphrates River. This is allowing for the transport of heavy equipment east of the Euphrates. Local reports indicate two bridges have been built. Russian backed Syrian forces have pushed east to the point of United States backed Kurdish (Syrian Democratic Forces or SDF). This is occurring about 3-5 miles east of the Euphrates River.
Otherwise, the Euphrates River is operating as a point of division between the Shia forces of the Syrian government and the predominantly Sunni forces of the Kurds.
The battle for Raqqa continues. Devastation in the city is profound. Sources on the ground indicate the United States backed Kurds (SDF) now control 80-90% of the area. Roughly 700-1,000 ISIS fighters remain in the city. Military commanders estimate the liberation of Raqqa should take place within the next month. Kurds now control the grain silos for the city. Medicine, food, and water remain in short supply.
And this is a developing story. Kurds are voting for their independence. Early polling numbers show the Kurds are overwhelmingly in favor of their own country. Preliminary results indicate 93% in favor of the nation Kurdistan.
Neighbors around the Middle East are less then enthused. President Recep Erdogan of Turkey is threatening military action and to cut off food supplies to the future country. Erdogan has indicated he will cut oil and gas lines coming from the region. Turkey also looks to control the water of the Tigris River with the construction of the Ilisu Dam. And for good measure, military hardware and troops are headed to the Turkey/Iraqi border.
Iraq and Iran are not supportive of a national Kurdistan. The following is from Radio Free Europe.
September 25, 2017: “We are not ready to discuss or have a dialogue about the results of the referendum because it is unconstitutional,” Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi.
Hours after Kurdish polls closed, the Iraqi Defense Ministry announced “large-scale” joint military exercises with Turkey.
September 27, 2017: Tehran, Iran… The Iranian parliament announced it would hold a closed-door meeting on the referendum on the Kurdish issue.
Joshua 1:3-4 Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory.
The Euphrates River is the future eastern border of Israel. This formation of Israel has not been fulfilled.
In June 2017, Russia issued a red line to the United States and supported Kurdistan forces. Do not go west of the Euphrates River. Russia effectively declared a no fly zone from the Euphrates River west to the Mediterranean Sea.
The United States has demonstrated clear air superiority since the early 1990’s. The US reminded Russia and friends by shooting down a Syrian SU 22 fighter jet.
There appeared to be a gentlemen’s agreement between the United States and Russia. The Euphrates River will be the divider. Russia and its surrogates will stay west of the Euphrates. The United States and its allies will be positioned to the east of the river.
September 13, 2017: Action is heating up on the Euphrates River in Deir Ezzor, Syria. Countries are scrambling for possession of oil fields. ISIS currently occupies the city at least for now. ISIS is getting it from all angles. The Syrian army with the support of the Russians is attacking ISIS from the west. Kurdish forces (Syrian Democratic Forces/SDF) are approaching from the north of the city with the support of the United States.
Russia is reported to have crossed their own red line, the Euphrates River. There are conflicting reports rather or not Russia and the Syrian army has crossed the Euphrates. Russia is reported to have water bridges and boats on site.
The Kurds and Russian supported troops have promised not to fight each other.
“We have clear instructions that after Daesh (ISIS) is eliminated, we should not act against the forces of the (Bashar Assad) regime or against the Russian, Iranian forces or the Hezbollah movement, which are allied with it,” SDF spokesman Talal Silo told Sputnik Monday.
“It’s going to be a race. It is going to be a race because you’ve got the Syrian army with Russian assistance coming in from the West and you have the United States coming in from the north and the East,” former Pentagon official Michael Maloof told RT.
1 Chronicles 5:8-9 …and Bela the son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, as far as Nebo and Baal-meon. He also lived to the east as far as the entrance of the desert this side of the Euphrates, because their livestock had multiplied in the land of Gilead.
The northern part of Syria is back in the news again. This is ancient Azaz. Currently the Kurds are sandwiched by Turkey. It would appear Turkey is trying to squeeze the Kurds west of the Euphrates River. Turkish President Recep Erdogan has made it clear to the Kurds they belong east of the Euphrates River. Erdogan is also upset with President Trump for supporting the Kurds. With Operation Euphrates Shield, Turkey drove a wedge in the area occupied by the Kurds. Turkey crossed the Syrian border to create the wedge.
July 3, 2017: It would appear the Free Syrian Army and Turkish forces are uniting against the Kurds. The Kurdish stronghold in the area is Afrin, Syria. Planning has been taking place for the last two months to remove the Kurds from the area.
“At the first stage, we plan to take control the city of Tall Rifaat, as well as the local airbase, and then we plan to begin with the siege of Afrin, which is under the control of Kurdish YPG forces. Our goal is not to enter the territory of Afrin, but rather to clear the territories located near the Turkish border from YPG.” -Anonymous Syrian commander.
“The operation can start at any moment. The Turkish forces are stationed in Marra, Azaz and in the north of Idlib. Only those FSA units which were previously involved in the Euphrates Shield will take part in the upcoming operation. The US-backed FSA militants won’t participate in the fighting in the Afrin area. We don’t trust them, as they can pass information on to the Kurdish self-defense units.” -Anonymous Syrian commander.
Nuri Mehmud of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) has made the following statements.
“Turkey has deployed its military and equipment on the Syrian border near the Azaz and Mare region. This activity is taking place because Turkey is preparing to attack Tel Rifat and Afrin. Turkey wants to establish control over these areas and strengthen its influence there. We intend to protect our territories and repel the attack no matter where it comes from.” -Nuri Mehmud, Kurdish YPG.
The western most Kurds are divided and isolated from their fellow Kurds east of the Euphrates River.
“We don’t accept the Turkish state’s presence or invasion in this region in any form. I want to stress that we don’t recognize their alliances either. Our goal and struggle to liberate the Azaz-Jarablus area will continue,” YPG Commander Sipan Hemo.
Recent history is repeating itself. As ISIS is being removed across the region, a vacuum is being created. Peace is not taking place with the removal of ISIS. Fighting between different groups occurs to occupy and control the land where ISIS once roamed.
Jeremiah 46:10 That day is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, to avenge Himself on His foes. The sword shall devour and be sated and drink its fill of their blood. For the Lord GOD of hosts holds a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.
The context of Jeremiah 46 is the pending judgment of Egypt at the hands of Babylon’s Nebuchadnezzar. Egypt and Babylon were the world powers of their day. History shows that Egypt received their judgment per the prophet at the hands of the Babylonians. The area discussed is near ancient Carchemish on the Euphrates River. This is the modern day area of the northern part of Lake Assad on the Euphrates in Syria.
Today in the 21st century, military conflict is taking place again on the Euphrates River. The same areas on the Euphrates River are the source of major conflict. As in the past, fighting started near the Syrian/Turkish border and moved south along the river. Operation Euphrates Wrath has moved east to the city of Raqqa, Syria.
June 6, 2017: The battle to remove ISIS from Raqqa, Syria has begun. The United States is supporting the Kurds and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
“We declare today the beginning of the great battle to liberate the city of Raqqa, the alleged capital of terrorism and terrorists. Morale is high and military readiness to implement the military plan is complete, in coordination with the US-led coalition,” Talal Sillo, spokesman for the SDF.
As the campaign into Raqqa begins, the terrorist group Hezbollah from Lebanon is threatening the United States. The US is being warned not to cross “red lines”.
For the second time in less than three weeks, the US has bombed Iranian supported forces in southern Syria.
“Despite previous warnings, pro-regime forces entered the agreed-upon de-confliction zone with a tank, artillery, anti-aircraft weapons, armed technical vehicles and more than 60 soldiers,” US coalition forces.
The US is also suspected of bombing a van near Deir el-Zour, Syria.
Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan is also warning the United States.
“Those who justify terrorist organizations for the sake of their regional policies by depicting them as militia, instead of taking a decisive stance, will soon realize they made a vital mistake,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has accused the United States of violating International Law with the military strikes.
In the past, King Josiah of Israel wanted to intervene in the conflict in 2 Chronicles 35:20-27. King Neco of Egypt warned Josiah not to intervene. Josiah did not listen and met his end. The location was a place called Megiddo…
2 Chronicles 35:22 Nevertheless, Josiah did not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight with him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to fight in the plain of Megiddo.
The next time a Jewish king intervenes in a war in Meggido, the result will be quite different.
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