In post-invasion and occupation Iraq, a trip to the store or to visit relatives became extremely dangerous for Iraqis. Omar and his family were traveling by taxi from Mosul to Baghdad to celebrate Ramadan. An American convoy opened fire on the vehicle, hitting Omar’s father Sabah with three bullets. The car burst into flames. NMV brought Omar to the US for medical care in 2007.
Surgeons released his fixed thumb, and Omar has recovered his use of that thumb. Doctors replaced his missing thumb with one of this toes. Omar’s right ear had been burned off completely, and doctors inserted a prosthetic replacement.
