FOURTEEN CASUALTIES of the Libyan conflict have arrived in the Republic to a hero’s welcome and to receive specialist treatment for injuries they sustained during the struggle to overthrow Muammar Gadafy’s regime.
The wounded arrived into Shannon Airport shortly after 5.20pm yesterday on a flight from Tunisia via France, accompanied by a doctor. The men will undergo surgery for a range of injuries, including gunshot and shrapnel wounds.
As many as 70 well-wishers from the 2,500-strong Libyan community, including children carrying flags and banners, gathered at the airport from early afternoon to welcome their compatriots. Many presented gifts to the war wounded.
Supporters chanted “Keep your head up, we are free Libya!” as the injured, some in wheelchairs and others on crutches, made their way into the arrivals hall.
Mohmud Abdullah Albrbar (21), speaking through a translator, said: “I had some concerns coming here. But after seeing all the people who came out, I am very happy to be here. I have gunshot wounds and I was also injured by a missile and my wounds are a few months old. I am happy to be here.”
Dr Amina Gsel, a Galway-based consultant rheumatologist and director of the Libyan Health Office in Ireland, said: “These men are the freedom fighters who freed our country. They are mostly young professionals, including doctors and engineers, and we are delighted we can do something for them.
“The Irish Government has been fantastic . . . I consider Libya and Ireland my countries and today is a very important day for Libyans in Ireland and the rest of Libyan society that we are doing this for our freedom fighters.”
The Libyan Health Office in Ireland was set up in recent months to organise treatment and care for people injured in the war. Four casualties will be treated at Barrington’s Hospital, Limerick, while three others were taken to Cappagh, Dublin. Seven of the injured will be treated at the Bon Secours Hospital, Galway.
Gerry Burke, chief executive of the Bon Secours in Galway and who was also at Shannon, said: “The casualties will be assessed and screened in the coming days and a decision on treatment will be taken then.”
He added: “The injuries are mostly to the upper body and orthopaedic in nature and some will require surgical intervention. Other injuries may require plastic surgery.”