Iraqi Victim Seeks Justice Two Decades After US Airstrike
Younis Khudair, a 46-year-old Iraqi citizen, has been on a relentless quest for justice for over 20 years after losing both legs in a devastating US airstrike during the invasion of Iraq. The tragic incident occurred on March 5, 2003, when Khudair was just 25 years old, forever altering the course of his life. Despite the physical and psychological scars left by the attack, Khudair has not received any compensation or accountability from the US military or the Iraqi government, leaving him to navigate life with immense challenges.
Khudair recalls the harrowing day when he was struck by a bomb while walking home in Baghdad. The sudden explosion resulted in the amputation of both his legs, plunging him into a world of despair and psychological trauma. "I lost my legs when I was in the prime of my youth, and as a result, I suffered from major psychological problems," Khudair said, reflecting on the impact of his injuries on his life and family.
The Ongoing Struggles of a War Victim
Despite his physical limitations, Khudair continues to work in construction and carpentry, albeit with great difficulty. He describes his daily struggle to climb walls and build roofs for others while being unable to repair his own home due to financial constraints. "I build roofs for people’s houses, but I can’t build the roof of my house," he laments. This stark reality highlights the broader plight of many victims of the US invasion, who continue to suffer in silence without adequate support or recognition.
The psychological toll of his injuries has also been profound. Khudair, once an avid football player, now watches from the sidelines as others enjoy the sport he can no longer play. The emotional pain of losing his mobility and the ability to support his family weighs heavily on him, as he grapples with feelings of isolation and despair.
A Call for Accountability and Change
Khudair's story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, particularly the long-lasting effects on civilians caught in the crossfire. The US-led invasion of Iraq, which aimed to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime, resulted in significant civilian casualties, with estimates suggesting around 200,000 Iraqi deaths. As the US maintains a military presence in Iraq, calls for accountability and justice for victims like Khudair grow louder.
As he continues his fight for recognition and compensation, Khudair embodies the resilience of those affected by war, highlighting the urgent need for a more compassionate approach to addressing the consequences of military actions on innocent lives.
