The family of a man who has been hailed as a hero for tackling a suspected ISIS suicide bomber during an attack in Beirut on Thursday at the cost of his own life, says they feel pride at his actions, reports CNN.
“I am alive, and happy, and proud of my husband who held our family name up high and honored us,” said Bassima Termos, the widow of Adel Termos.
Termos was with his daughter at the mosque in southern Lebanon when his afternoon prayers were interrupted by an explosion caused by a suicide bomber.
He went outside to check out what was happening when he saw a man running down a hill screaming “Allahu akbar”, Termos’s father, Akram Termos, told CNN.
Despite the danger to his own life, the 32-year-old car mechanic and father of two, ran towards the suicide bomber and pinned him to the ground. He was killed when the man detonated his vest.
“All our neighbours and the people of our town are so proud of him,” she said. “The close ones and the friends, and the strangers … everyone is proud.” said Bassima
“The kids and I are all doing fine. He made us proud, put our heads up high, what more do I need? He gave me dignity, pride, and respect,” she said.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the twin suicide bombings that killed about 45 people including Termos. More than 200 people were injured. But Termos’ daughter was among the survivors.
Agencies/Canadajournal