Doctors treating a 12-year old Iraqi orphan who lost both arms and was severely burned in the bombing of Baghdad have postponed a planned skin graft operation, but say his condition is improving.

The 12-year-old Iraqi boy who suffered severe burns and lost both arms in the bombardment of Baghdad was recovering today from skin graft surgery, his plastic surgeon said.

Baghdad bombing victim Ali Ismaeel Abbas was today feeling well enough to request one of his favourite dishes – a spicy shish kebab.

The plastic surgeon treating injured Iraqi orphan Ali Ismaeel Abbas tonight said the youngster was recovering well after his first round of life-saving treatment.

Iraqi orphan Ali Ismaeel Abbas, who was horrifically injured in a Baghdad bomb attack, was today due to undergo life-saving surgery.