On Anniversary of Kayla Mueller's Death, Iraqi female Hostage Taker Charged

By Ann Dee
Tragic Death of Kayla Mueller
Christian aid worker Kayla Jean Mueller was 26 at the time of her death. Courtesy of Mueller Family

On Monday, an Iraqi woman was charged with taking hostage an American aid worker who was killed in Syria last year. The Iraqi woman Umm Sayyaf was captured back in May in a Syria raid.

The Washington Post reported that the woman, also known as Nisreen Assad Ibrahim Bahar, was captured during a US commando raid in eastern Syria. She lost her husband, a senior Islamic State official that day during the assault. 

The Iraqi woman was charged in the federal court in Alexandria, Va. Her charges include engaging in a conspiracy with a foreign terrorist organization to provide material support, which resulted in a person's death. For months, the Justice Department officials and federal prosecutors have debated on what charges to file against Sayyaf. 

She was accused of having a hand at the imprisonment of Kayle Mueller, 26, of Prescott, Arizona. Mueller's case was a highly publicized one. Mueller was in the Syrian city of Aleppo when she was kidnapped. She was there to help the refugees wanting to leave the chaotic city. She suffered through constant abuse and rape from the leader of the Islamic state. On February of 2015, a media account related to the ISL released a statement that Mueller was killed by one of the many Jordanian airstrikes in Al-Raqqah. While there was a debate about who was responsible for the airstrikes that killed Mueller, the family announced that Mueller's death was confirmed by three photographs sent by ISIL. The intelligence community authenticated the photos. 

Sayyaf admitted that she and her husband were largely responsible for maintaining the custody of Mueller and three civilians. Sayyaf was subjected to repeated interrogations by the FBI-led High Value Detainee Interrogation Group before coming clean. Sayyaf revealed that she only thought Mueller was being held for ransom or at least some type of prisoner exchange strategy. She also told that her home was mainly used to keep significant amounts of cash that the Islamic State made through its oil and gas transactions. Her home was also regularly used by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State as well as other terrorists. 

Even with the charges, it does not mean Sayyaf will be transported to the United States. She is currently under the custody of the Iraqis. However, the officials said that the charges might, at least, bring some comfort to the Mueller's family. 

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo