A number of Iraqi wounded and sick civilians arrived last night at Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi to receive medical treatment at the U.A.E. hospitals in implementation of the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E. Armed Forces.
The Iraqi civilian casualties are victims of the ongoing conflict in their country and will be treated in the U.A.E. as part of a humanitarian initiative of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa that furthers the ties between the peoples of the U.A.E. and Iraq.
The Iraqi wounded and sick children, women and men were transported from Erbil Airport in Iraq's Kurdistan to Abu Dhabi aboard a U.A.E. aircraft. They suffer from partial disabilities, bone marrow failure and physical disfigurement, while some had their limbs amputated.
The Iraqi guests were greeted at the airport by a number of U.A.E. health officials and volunteers from the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) with flowers before they were transported to hospitals where they will benefit from quality medical equipment and procedures.
The leadership of the U.A.E. is following with great concern the developments in Iraq where the grievous consequences have affected the lives of all segments of the population which has been suffering from conflicts and crises. It is a continuation of the country's efforts to alleviate the suffering of Iraqis and improve their living conditions.
Jamal Abdul Naser, 17, who hails from the town of Dhuluiyah, and suffers from cranial factures and brain damage, said the U.A.E.'s initiative in these critical circumstances is not unusual for the Emirate. He said he was confident he will receive the best treatment .
Malak Majed, 14, from Diyala Governorate, expressed her thanks and appreciation for the initiative of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which will enable her to receive treatment in the U.A.E..
Ahmed Ismael Khalil, 26, also from Diyala Governorate, lost a part of his skull and some portion of his brain in a car explosion in his village. He said many Iraqi cities are being targeted with car bombs and mines that kill and maim a large number of civilians in markets and residential areas.
Sabhan Raed, 6, said he was playing with other children in his backyard when an artillery shell exploded near them and fractured his joints.
Source: WAM