Manama: A Saudi father who in two consecutive years buried two sons, both of whom died fighting Iran-backed Al Houthi militants in Yemen, said that he was willing and ready to sacrifice more sons for the sake of the nation.
The father showed his deep patriotism and extraordinary resilience as he attended the funeral of the second son in Al Aridha in south-western Saudi Arabia, near the borders with Yemen.
A large number of mourners, including high-ranking civilians and military staff, attended the emotionally charged funeral.
Ahmad Mari Tawhari, who was killed in a military confrontation with Al Houthi rebels, was buried next to his brother who was killed in action last year.
“I am truly proud of my two sons who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation,” the father said at the funeral.
“I am willing to give more sons to the country,” he said, quoted by Saudi news site Sabq late on Wednesday.
Another of the man’s son, who also serves in the Saudi armed forces, said he hoped he would have a chance to follow the example of his brothers Hadi and Ahmad.
“They had the outstanding honour and the great glory of dying for the sake of the country and I too am ready to become a martyr while fighting for the nation,” he said.
Ahmad is survived by six children, Mari 12, Ahlam, 10, Faris, 9, Khulood 8, Rawan six and an infant daughter who is only two months old, the news site said.
