Syrian Kurdish boy from Ras al-Ain with severe burns taken to France for treatment

A French diplomatic source on Oct. 23 confirmed to French news network France 24 that a young boy with severe and multiple burns from northeastern Syria was transferred to France from Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil for treatment. Syrian Kurdish boy Mohammed Hamid was initially taken to a hospital close to his hometown Ras al-Ayn during Turkish military operation last week, however medics failed to come up with necessary treatment and struggled to diagnose the mysterious burns. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar has denied use of any chemical weapons and said there are no such weapons in the inventory of the Turkish armed forces.

Duvar English

Local media in Syria and Iraq last week reported allegations that Mohammed Hamid, a 13-year-old Syrian Kurdish boy from Ras al-Ain in northern Syria, suffered severe burns during Turkey's military operation. A French diplomatic source on Oct. 23 confirmed to French news network France 24 that a young boy with severe and multiple burns from northeastern Syria was transferred to France from Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil for treatment. The source confirmed that the medical transfer of the boy was organized at the request and in close cooperation with the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Mohammed Hamid's medical evacuation was reported live by a local journalist on the tarmac of Duhok airport in Iraqi Kurdistan. The footage showed that the boy was strapped to a stretcher and his body was secured in protective covering. Then he was medevaced from Duhok to Erbil for his last journey before reaching France for treatment.

Hamid was initially taken to a hospital in Tal Amr close to his hometown Ras al-Ain by his father, however medics failed to come up with necessary treatment and struggled to diagnose the mysterious burns.

A French diplomatic source speaking to France 24 confirmed the medical transfer of Kurdish boy to France. However, he declined to provide details of his condition or of the medical care he is receiving in France.

Former President of the KRG, Massoud Barzani posted a cryptic message on Oct. 22 thanking French President Emmanuel Macron and the French people. However, Barzani refrained from elaborating why he felt the need to convey such a message.

The Kurdish Red Crescent said at least six people, including children and fighters, were admitted to hospital last week with first-and-second-degree burns from an unknown substance following the Turkish assault on Ras al-Ain.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar denied allegations and said there are no chemical weapons in the inventory of the Turkish armed forces.