‘I want to be a martyr too’

Fujairah

The brother of Yousuf Salem Al Kaabi, one of four UAE soldiers killed in Yemen on Tuesday, said he would gladly sacrifice his life for the UAE’s security and safety.

Mohammad Salem Al Kaabi, 36, who is also in the UAE Armed Forces, said his younger brother and other martyrs have made the nation proud.

Yousuf, who died aged 32, and three other servicemen, were among those killed in Tuesday’s attack in Aden, from where Al Houthi rebels had been driven out as a result of a Saudi-led campaign to restore the internationally recognised government of President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

“My brother’s sacrifice is an honour and inspiration. I want to be a martyr too. I’m ready to serve and protect my country,” Mohammad said.

Yousuf was buried in his hometown of Fujairah on Thursday. The family was visited by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, was also present.

Yousuf is survived by his wife, two-year-old daughter Asma and six-month-old son Abdullah. He was one of nine siblings — seven brothers and two sisters. Yousuf, who served 10 years in the UAE Armed Forces, had sent his family a text message from Yemen days before the deadly attack, Mohammad said. However, Mohammad, who has served for 19 years, has not been sent to Yemen, though he is ready for the opportunity.

“We couldn’t talk on the phone because the line was bad, so he sent us — our mother and sister — a text message wishing us well. I and the whole country are proud of my brother and the other martyrs,” he added.

Another brother, Juma, recently from a tour of duty in Yemen, Mohammad said.

At a condolence tent set up near the family home, well-wishers lined up to offer their respects. Yousuf’s children, father and father-in-law were among those present.

Earlier in the day, Yousuf’s body was brought to Al Shuhada (Martyrs) Mosque shortly before noon under military police escort. After the midday prayers, funeral prayers were held at the mosque. Senior UAE officials as well as members of the wider public took part in the prayer.

The body, draped in the UAE flag, was then taken in an ambulance to the main city graveyard. Some words of support and prayers were exchanged as Yousuf was laid to rest, in a graved marked 115A.

Similar scenes were witnessed in other emirates where the final rites of the other martyrs were held on Thursday.