Samaritan’s Purse Hospital Extends Help to Wounded ISIS Fighters in Iraq

By Suzette Gutierrez-Cachila
Emergency Field Trauma Hospital
Franklin Graham, CEO of the humanitarian aid organization Samaritan's Purse, said the hospital they set up outside Mosul in Iraq is treating not only civilians but wounded ISIS soldiers as well. The Emergency Field Trauma Hospital of Samaritan's Purse in Mosul, Iraq started operating last month. Facebook/Franklin Graham

Franklin Graham, CEO of the humanitarian aid organization Samaritan's Purse, said the hospital they set up outside Mosul in Iraq is treating not only civilians but wounded ISIS soldiers as well.

Graham, son of famed evangelist Billy Graham, took to Facebook to describe how the organization is helping those who are affected by the fighting in Mosul.

"Right now with our Emergency Field Trauma Hospital outside Mosul, Iraq, we are treating Muslims, wounded civilians-men, women, and children-many of whom were shot by ISIS snipers as they fled Mosul," Graham said.

"At the same time, we are treating badly wounded ISIS fighters. Our medical teams take them in, perform surgery, bind up their wounds, and give everyone the same compassionate, Christian care-helping them in Jesus' Name," he added.

The 50-bed Emergency Field Trauma Hospital, established in partnership with the Iraqi Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, started operating just last month. Graham dedicated it on Jan. 13.

The facility is situated in the Plains of Nineveh to cater specifically for those injured in the fight to liberate Mosul from ISIS. It has an emergency room and two operating rooms and has more than 70 staff.

It is the only facility providing frontline trauma care in the area. According to Lisa Grande, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, they had asked other organizations to set up a medical facility for trauma care, but only Samaritan's Purse responded.

"We can't thank you enough," she said. "You built this hospital in record time ... Because Samaritan's Purse is here, thousands-tens of thousands-of people will survive ..."

Graham also commented about the controversial temporary immigration ban of Pres. Donald Trump, which bars immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries including the devastated Iraq and Syria. He said while Samaritan's Purse ministers to those needing treatment, including ISIS fighters, it does not mean the U.S. should not keep its borders secure.

He asked people to pray for Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence so they will have wisdom "as they try to work through the challenges to find the best ways to keep America safe and secure."

Graham has served as the organization's CEO since 1970. Samaritan's Purse has been serving various countries in the Middle East for more than 30 years and has had a presence in Iraq for quite some time.

The organization also helps refugees in other countries daily. In the midst of the refugee crisis in the region, it has provided food, coats, blankets and other necessities to thousands of refugees.

"As Christians we are commanded to help all, regardless of religious background or ethnicity, like the Good Samaritan Jesus shared about in the Bible," Graham said on another post to Facebook. "Our job is to show God's love and compassion."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories