VIDEO 14 Casualties Of Libyan Conflict Arrive In Shannon

News - Local

Monday, 05 December 2011 11:00

Written by Pat Flynn

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Fourteen casualties of the Libyan conflict have arrived in Ireland to undergo treatment for injuries they sustained during the fight to overthrow Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

The wounded arrived in Shannon shortly after 5.20pm yesterday (Sunday) on a flight from Tunisia via France accompanied by a doctor. While here, the men will undergo surgery for a range of traumatic injuries including gunshot and shrapnel wounds.

As many as 70 well-wishers from the Libyan community in Ireland, including children carrying flags and banners, gathered at Shannon from early afternoon to welcome their countrymen. Many bought gifts from airport shops.

21-year-old Mohmud Abdullah Albrbar, 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."

Speaking at Shannon Airport, Dr Amina Gsel, a Galway-based consultant rheumatologist and Director of the Libyan Health Office of Ireland said: "These men are the freedom fighters who freed our country. There are mostly young professionals including doctors and engineers and we are delighted that we can do something for them."

The Libyan Health Office was established here in recent months to organise treatment and care for those injured in the effort to overthrow the Gaddafi regime. 4 casualties will be treated at Barrington's Hospital in Limerick while 3 others were taken to Cappagh in Dublin. 7 of the injured will be treated at the Bon Secours hospital in Galway.

Bon Secours CEO Mr Gerry Burke, said: "We have received some medical records in advance and the casualties will be assessed and screened in the coming says and a decision on treatment will be taken then. The injuries are mostly to the upper body and orthopaedic in nature and some will require surgical intervention. Other injuries may require plastic surgery."

Clare Fine Gael TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs Mr Pat Breen said: "We have been working with the National Transitional Council to arrange the transfer of 14 Libyan patients to Ireland to receive medical treatment. I welcome their arrival in Shannon and wish them a speedy recovery so that they can return home to a new and free Libya. Ireland looks forward to playing it role in rebuilding Libya with the new administration and build a new bilateral relationship which will have benefits for both countries."

VIDEO by Pat Flynn