CNN staffer operates on boy near Baghdad

‘‘Sanjay was sent to that particular unit as a medical correspondent, but we clearly support his efforts under these extraordinary circumstances to save the life of a dying boy,’’ CNN spokeswoman Christa Robinson said.

The boy, who had been struck in the head by a bullet or shrapnel, died despite Gupta’s efforts. Gupta said the brain surgery went ‘‘very well’’ but the other injuries proved extensive.

Assigned by CNN to cover the mobile staff of naval surgeons known as the ‘‘devil docs,’’ Gupta said he was called on to operate on the boy because he was the only neurosurgeon present.

‘‘Medically and morally, I thought it was the right thing to do,” Gupta said later in a report from the scene. ‘‘I did not hesitate at all … I thought we could give this kid a fighting chance to live, and we came close to doing exactly that.’’

Gupta said the boy was one of three people who died in the shooting, which, according to the military, occurred when a taxicab passed through a US Marine checkpoint without stopping, prompting Marines to open fire.

The boy’s mother, who was in the backseat with the child, survived the shooting in critical condition, Gupta said. During one of his reports on the incident Thursday, unit commander Dr Rob Hinks thanked Gupta for his help, welcoming him as “an honorary member of the devil docs.”