The devastating drone attack occurred amid escalating clashes between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces, severely injuring Zaher in Khartoum. After he shared his wish to walk and play football again during a 2025 BBC interview, global viewers funded his comprehensive medical treatment in Cairo. This extensive care package covered prosthetic legs, necessary surgeries, months of physiotherapy, and vital psychological support. Following his medical rehabilitation abroad, Zaher returned to Sudan and experienced a major morale boost upon receiving the supportive video invitation.
Key points
Broadcast coverage of Zaher's injury galvanized international financial support to secure…: Broadcast coverage of Zaher's injury galvanized international financial support to secure his prosthetic medical treatment.
Vinícius Júnior used his athletic platform to deliver personal encouragement to a young w…: Vinícius Júnior used his athletic platform to deliver personal encouragement to a young war survivor.
Zaher has successfully concluded his medical treatments in Cairo and has now returned hom…: Zaher has successfully concluded his medical treatments in Cairo and has now returned home to Sudan.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Read Madrid footballer Vinícius Júnior has sent a surprise video message to 13-year-old Zaher praising his courage and inviting him to spend the day together at a Real Madrid game.
Zaher lost both his legs after a drone strike in Khartoum, Sudan, where the battle between Sudan's army and the RSF continues to devastate the country.
When the BBC first met him in 2025 he said that he dreamt of being able to walk and play football again. His story resonated with viewers and money was raised for treatment in Cairo, including prosthetic legs.
After surgery followed by months of physiotherapy and psychological support in Cairo, Zehar returned to Sudan feeling "uplifted" by Vini Jr's message he says.
Emergency responders dispatched to an East Coast junction pronounced a woman dead at the scene following an afternoon collision involving a heavy vehicle. The male motorist was subsequently taken into custody for driving without reasonable consideration causing death as authorities look into the matter. This fatal incident highlights mounting concerns surrounding rider safety as traffic casualties climb nationwide.
British Columbia conservation officers euthanized a female grizzly and her three cubs after DNA analysis confirmed their involvement in the deaths of two hikers. Wildlife officials determined the lethal action was necessary under provincial public safety guidelines following what was deemed a rare predatory encounter. Investigators also used forensic testing to confirm this family group was not responsible for a prior mass-casualty wildlife incident in the same community.
Legal proceedings in Virginia concluded with a guilty verdict in a spousal disappearance case that remained unresolved for over two years. Prosecutors successfully secured the murder conviction against Naresh Bhatt even though authorities never located his wife's physical remains. The decision marks an impactful legal conclusion despite the defendant's persistent claims of innocence regarding the act of homicide itself.