Young man dies of thirst after going missing in Al-Shabaka desert

NAJAF — A 20-year-old man with epilepsy died of dehydration after going missing in the desert near the Al-Shabaka subdistrict of Najaf governorate, according to local officials. His body was found early Wednesday following an overnight search by police and tribal volunteers.

Kadhim Al-Abayji, director of the Al-Shabaka subdistrict, identified the man as Mamdouh Al-Ayashi, who lived in the desert area of Fayd Al-Shabaka.

“The young man, Mamdouh Al-Ayashi, suffered from epilepsy,” Al-Abayji told 964media. “He left his home in the desert area of Fayd Al-Shabaka and was trying to return when he went missing Tuesday morning.”

He said police from the Najaf command and residents from nearby tribes joined the search, which extended deep into the desert and into the outskirts of Samawah. “We reached the outskirts of Samawah by last night without finding him, but we continued searching until dawn,” Al-Abayji said.

“He was found facedown, showing clear signs of dehydration, but still alive,” he added. “We tried to save him by taking him to the subdistrict center, but unfortunately he passed away during the rescue effort.”

A security source in Al-Shabaka confirmed the incident and praised the community’s response. “Unfortunately, the young man died as a result of thirst after becoming lost in the desert,” the source said. “We thank the residents and tribal members who helped in the search.”

Al-Abayji urged authorities to establish mobile coverage in remote desert areas to help prevent similar tragedies. “One of the reasons young people die in these areas is the lack of cellular coverage,” he said.