Imagine being 14 and having the lives of an entire division in your hands. This is the story of Saeed.

In this episode of Citizen Tales, we get to know Saeed, a man whose life began in a wicker basket in the freezing mountains of Iran and led him to the front lines of one of the 20th century’s most brutal conflicts. Born seven months premature, Saeed’s survival was his first miracle. We follow his journey from a rebellious schoolboy playing with human bones in an ancient cemetery to a master carpet weaver, and finally, to a 14-year-old volunteer in a demolition unit. This is Part One of a three-part series on the human condition in the face of war.

Listen to Part 1 to see how he became a commando. Subscribe for Part 2: Waking Up In A Body Bag.

This episode contains real-life accounts of war and violence. These stories are shared for their historical and educational value, and to honor the experiences of the victims. I do not promote, support, or glorify any acts of violence, conflict, or harm. I tell these stories to understand the human condition, not to endorse the darker parts of it. Listener discretion is advised.

Welcome to Citizen Tales, where I narrate the real extraordinary stories of real ordinary people. Check this episode to know what this podcast is about. Follow for the first episode, Saeed, the 13 year old soldier who came back from the dead, coming Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

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