In July, a group of US troops made a shocking discovery – Fatima Jbour, a 10-month-old baby girl, abandoned in a garbage dump. Her mother and uncle had tragically lost their lives in a violent incident in their Baghdad home, leaving Fatima alone and defenseless. In the scorching heat of a 118-degree day, the gunmen callously discarded her like unwanted waste.
Lieutenant Eric Laflin, who played a crucial role in her rescue, described it as one of the worst things he has ever witnessed during his time in Iraq. Her seven-year-old brother bravely sought help from a US patrol, leading them to Fatima.
When she was found, Fatima was severely underweight, her body nothing more than skin and bones. However, after three weeks of care at the Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad’s Green Zone, she has made tremendous progress.
Katie VanBeusekom, a staff member at the hospital, shared how Fatima has transformed from a frail, alien-like child to an adorable and vocal baby who demands attention.
While Fatima’s health is improving, her journey towards stability is far from over. She still has to face the challenge of reuniting with her five siblings, who currently reside in an orphanage. Major Andrew Yerkes has devoted himself to help find a relative who is capable and willing to care for all the children.
Despite the obstacles ahead, Fatima remains resilient and grows stronger with each passing day. Her story is a testament to the power of hope, perseverance, and the kindness of strangers.
