Rudy Di Flavio, a 32-year-old from Massa Fermana (Fermo), Italy, was stabbed seven times in the back in a hostel in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The attack occurred yesterday afternoon around 2 p.m. local time. Di Flavio, who embarked on a solo bicycle journey from his hometown to Mongolia in March of last year, had just checked into the hostel and was on his way to the showers when he was assaulted without apparent motive. One of the stab wounds perforated his intestine.
He was immediately aided by two men of German origin and rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment. While seriously injured, his condition is not believed to be life-threatening. The Italian embassy in Mongolia has been mobilized, making contact with his family.
His sister, Desiree, is now departing for Mongolia to assist him during his recovery. A US national has been detained by authorities as the suspected assailant in the brutal attack.