Misurata war hero fighting for life at Mater Dei

Misurata's most heralded commander Ibrahim Halbus, leader of the Halbus brigade, is fighting for his life at Mater Dei’s Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU).

18 October 2011, 12:00am
by Karl Stagno-Navarra

1 min read

Halbous, known to be a charismatic commander is considered a hero of the war that ousted Col. Gaddafi from power, after he successfully led his brigade to break the Misurata siege, and later march on to Tawerga, Zawiya and Tripoli.

He was shot in the neck by sniper fire on September 19 as his troops marched on to Sirte, and has been paralysed by his wounds.

Commander Halbous’ condition has been described by sources as “critical” as the bullet wound destroyed his trachea and left him mute, while damage was also caused to his spinal cord, which has paralysed him.

MaltaToday is informed that Commander Halbous may be moved to a specialised hospital in Germany, but specialists are concerned about his critical state, and moving him could prove fatal.

Suleiman Mahmoud, the NTC military chief, described Commander Halbous as one of his most charismatic brigade commanders.

Mahmoud is reportedly in regular contact with Malta, requesting news about Halbous.

A number of freedom fighters from Misurata who are currently receiving treatment in Malta, are holding daily prayers for their Commander.

More from Karl Stagno-Navarra

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Not nice to have high profile fighters in the fore. This is really calling for trouble in one's own house. Hope the long term consequences are being considered by those who want to score some quick brownie political points in the pn's administration. It's high time that the Maltese are given a clear and truthful resume of this supposedly humanitarian exercise.

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he was wounded while he was attacking Sirte civilians. tell the people of sirte if halbus is their hero.....mr navarra their is always two sides of the same coin.....

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'A number of freedom fighters......', mmm these words remind of someone who has big financial interest in the health sector. Maybe even in Misurata.