An Algerian woman narrates the details of her injury in the attack on Riyadh Airport: I saw death

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Algerian resident Shifa Noureddine Boudar recounted the details of the terrifying moments she lived during the attack that targeted Riyadh Airport, which resulted in her sustaining a severe injury in her left leg, requiring her to undergo two surgeries, amid initial fears that doctors would be forced to amputate her foot.

Shifa told Al Arabiya/Al-Hadath that she has lived in Saudi Arabia for 30 years, and lives in Medina, explaining that she was in Riyadh on a two-day business trip, and when she was waiting for her return flight in the third terminal at the airport, a sudden explosion rang out, and she saw her leg being torn off in front of her in the darkness and smoke.

She also added that she tried to stand and look behind her, but she was unable to see clearly, saying: “I tried to stand and look behind me, but the world was dark,” noting that she saw burning people and others lying on the ground unable to get up, amid screaming and scenes that she described as “terrifying and bloody.”

She explained that a person who identified himself as a doctor took the initiative to treat her and tie her leg, before two people carried her out of the site and stopped a car in the street to take her to the hospital.

Shifa confirmed that she is still suffering from the effects of the psychological trauma left by the attack, recalling what she experienced by saying: “Literally, I saw death, but thank God, God has written a lifetime for us.”

She also added that when she arrived at the hospital, the doctors suggested that her left foot might be amputated, given the severity of the injury, but she underwent two surgeries and is still waiting for a third, expressing her hope to regain her ability to move.

The young Algerian woman directed sharp criticism at the Houthi group, and described the attack as “a heinous and criminal act in the full sense of the word,” denouncing the targeting of civilians, children, and vulnerable groups, and attempts to target the Holy House of God, and considering these acts to be among the most heinous crimes.

For his part, plastic and reconstructive surgery consultant Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Hindi explained that the injured woman arrived at the hospital suffering from tissue loss and severe damage to her left leg, including muscles, veins and arteries, as well as a broken bone, which were injuries that threatened to cause the loss of her foot.

He pointed out that her treatment was carried out in cooperation between the plastic and reconstructive surgery, orthopedic and vascular surgery teams, explaining that in the first stage she underwent a cleaning and exploration process to evaluate healthy tissues, blood vessels, nerves and muscles, followed by a restoration process aimed at covering and protecting vital tissues.

Al-Hindi also stated that the next stage will include completing the covering of the remaining tissues and cleaning the parts that require this, expressing his hope that the injured person will regain her ability to walk, with the help of physical therapy and rehabilitation programs.