KUWAIT CITY, Jun 4: The story of Kuwaiti customs officer Ayed Al-Atibi has captured widespread attention across Kuwait and the Gulf region after he reportedly lost a leg during the recent attack on Kuwait International Airport, prompting an outpouring of support on social media and calls for solidarity with the victims.
According to reports circulating online, Al-Atibi was on duty at the airport when the attack struck the Terminal 1 (T1) passenger building, causing significant casualties and injuries among airport staff, travelers, and workers.
The young customs employee suffered one of the most severe injuries recorded in the incident, reportedly losing his left leg. His case quickly became a symbol of the human cost of the attack, with Kuwaitis and Gulf social media users sharing messages of support and prayers for his recovery.
Indian National Killed
An Indian national killed in Wednesday’s missile strike on Terminal 1 of Kuwait International Airport has been identified as Mansoor Ahmad Rahman, 55, from Kotmohalla, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. Rahman was reportedly preparing to fly to Mumbai via Bahrain by Gulf Air and was completing check-in procedures when he was struck by falling debris following the impact on the terminal.
Dozens Injured
Preliminary medical assessments indicate that dozens of people were injured in the attack and subsequently transferred to Farwaniya Hospital and other medical facilities for treatment.
According to initial figures, more than 63 people were reported injured, including airport employees, passengers, and workers from several nationalities. Medical records reportedly documented 38 serious injuries involving individuals from seven different countries, including 12 Kuwaiti citizens.
The injured also included nationals of Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
Range of Injuries
Health officials reported that the injuries ranged from cuts and fractures to head trauma, limb injuries, and cases of smoke inhalation.
Among the most serious cases were:
– Ayed Al-Atibi, a Kuwaiti customs officer who reportedly suffered a complete amputation of his left leg.
– Mamdouh Abdel Ali Mohamed, an Egyptian resident, who reportedly sustained a severe injury resulting in the loss of his left hand.
– Several other victims suffered multiple fractures and serious wounds and remain under medical observation.
Wave of Public Support
The tragedy has triggered widespread sympathy across Kuwait and neighboring Gulf countries, with social media users sharing Al-Atibi’s story and praising the efforts of airport personnel who remained at their posts during the incident.
Messages of support, prayers for the injured, and tributes to emergency responders have continued to dominate online discussions as authorities monitor the condition of those receiving treatment and assess the full impact of the attack.
Officials have not yet released final casualty figures, and investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
by John C Fernandes
Online Media Manager
Arab Times
