An Iraqi man has been hailed a hero after sacrificing his life to save hundreds from a suicide attack.
It has been reported that Najih Shaker Al-Baldawi, a local resident of Balad city in Iraq, stopped a Daesh suicide bomber from entering the Shia Shrine. Al Baldawi wrapped his arms around the attacker before his explosive laden vest went of, killing both men.
Al-Baldawi’s body took the direct impact of the blast, minimizing the level of destruction and saving countless lives in the surrounding area.
A moment of respect for Najih Al-Baldawi who hugged a suicide bomber, killing himself but saving the life of dozens. pic.twitter.com/rAxrz4uguo
— Mike Hawkins (@djMikeHawkins) July 10, 2016
The suicide bomber was one of several of militants involved in the attack, which claimed the lives of at least 37 civilians and injured 62 others. According to Reuters, several militants stormed the holy site and started shooting at pilgrims. Another bomber also detonated his explosives in the middle of the crowd, who were celebrating Eid al-Fitr festivities to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Following the attack, many took to twitter to praise the heroic actions of Al-Badawi.
every Muslim should pray Fatiha for this true martyr tonight, our beloved brother #NajihShakerAlBaldawi #RIPNajihhttps://t.co/sayoK4Hk8p
— azhar usman (@azharusman) July 11, 2016
Folks like Najih Al-Baldawi represent the good in us that's so often overshadowed by just how awful the world is most of the time.
— Adam (@AdamWhitcroft) July 10, 2016
AM
