Shehab Iyari is a 23-year-old National Guard corporal who lost his leg while fighting terrorists. His leg was amputated after a mine exploded while he was combing an area where terrorists were hiding in Jebel ech Chambi in Kasserine in midwestern Tunisia.
Mr. Iyari, could you relate what exactly happened to you?
Shehab Iyari is a 23-year-old National Guard corporal who lost his leg while fighting terrorists. His leg was amputated after a mine exploded while he was combing an area where terrorists were hiding in Jebel ech Chambi in Kasserine in midwestern Tunisia.
Mr. Iyari, could you relate what exactly happened to you?
On April 28th, I was in a flying visit to my hometown of Awlad Iyar in Béja Governorate (about 100 kilometers northwest of Tunis), when I received an urgent call from my superior to return to my barrack in Tunis to enhance the security operations in Jebel ech Chambi. The next day we started a joint operation between the National Guards and the army to look for terrorists in the bush. Due to the area’s difficult terrain, we focused on the land and were very alert lest we should be shot by these terrorists.
One of my division’s officers was the first to cross the mine area. Unfortunately, my right leg stepped on the professionally buried mine so it exploded and took my leg from just above my military boot. My other leg was badly broken and the shrapnel reached my colleague who lost an eye.
How did you experience these critical moments?
I was half conscious but I remember very well how my leg was severed from my body due to the huge explosion. I will never forget how my military boot flew with my amputated leg. I completely passed out when the ambulance arrived to take me to a nearby hospital and save my left leg.
After the operation, some found your media statements more shocking than the incident itself?
I said I was ready to return to Jebel ech Chambi, even if it cost me my other leg to help my colleagues defend my country and stop terrorism from reaching (other) cities.
Your statements were reported by the media and social networking sites. Did you aim to give a patriotic lesson to the political elites?
I did not address any particular party. I just stressed my determination to die defending my fellow citizens against ruthless terrorism.
You are now among your family and receiving scores of citizens and colleagues. What is the most important message you would like to communicate?
I always say to my visitors and in my media statements that I do not want to be a victim. The matter is larger than my amputated leg and all people can have accidents. I am proud that I have given up part of my body for my country’s sake. The most important thing is that mines do not affect my colleagues’ morale.
What would you like to say to your colleagues?
In every phone call, I tell them I am confident they can control criminals and terrorists who will not be able to undermine our country’s security. My colleagues are heroes who do not know fear or withdrawal. The Tunisian people should trust security forces and the army and support them to boast their confidence, in order to fight those who threaten the country’s security.
What are you going to do after you recover?
I would like to return to Jebel ech Chambi to be close to the incidents on the ground. I reiterate my readiness to give my other leg to preserve the safety and security of my homeland and people. I would not hesitate to return to Jebel ech Chambi to continue my duty alongside my colleagues even with one leg.
But have you not yet fully recovered?
I feel I am stronger than any other time in the past. I will return to work, even to an administrative task, as soon as I fully recover. I will not give up my military uniform as long as I am alive. I am waiting until I get an artificial leg to return to my normal life. I will prove to the terrorists that disability only exists in their minds, which have made them lay mines and target their innocent fellow citizens on the pretext of Jihad. We are the protectors of Tunisia and we will not allow them to violate it.
