Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Emirati officials yesterday paid rich tribute to the UAE soldiers who were martyred in Yemen on Friday, saying the nation lost 45 of its best citizens and children who were protecting the region and fought an unjust occupation,
They prayed for the martyrs and their families, expressing pride and respect for those who gave their lives for their country.
Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health, said the sacrifice of the martyrs will inspire others in the armed forces to defend the rights of the oppressed.
“While showing allegiance to our wise leadership, which stems from patriotism, it is imperative for all of us to stand together and face the challenges being experienced by the whole world during this critical period. This has been proven beyond doubt by the martyrs when they sacrificed their lives to protect the homeland,” he said.
Dr Al Jaber said the martyr gave their lives, alongside their brothers from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, to help their Yemeni brothers regain their legitimate right to live in freedom and dignity. “This incident will only strengthen our determination on the continuation of diligent efforts to achieve the goals of the Arab coalition in Yemen, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
He praised the way the people of the UAE are standing behind their leadership in extending a helping hand and providing humanitarian support to their Yemeni brothers through the ‘Yemen: We Care’ campaign, which is receiving a huge response from the people of the UAE in a way that reflects the love for philanthropy and support of Arab and Islamic causes in the UAE.
This support by the people of the UAE goes hand in hand with the efforts of the armed forces, he said.
Al Suwaidi said the UAE government taught them to always be ready to sacrifice their lives and the lives of their children for their nation.
“In our 44 years as a nation, we have never suffered such a huge loss. However, as great as the UAE’s grief and sorrow is, its anger is even greater. The UAE has always been known to be moderate, peaceful and patient, but now it is angry and rightfully so, and it will retaliate by freeing Sana’a from the dual Al Houthi-Iranian occupation.” he said.
“My deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs and the leadership of the UAE,” Al Merri said. “Those who lost their lives trying to restore security and stability in Yemen will stand as symbols for the fight against injustice and tyranny. The entire country is mourning their deaths.”
Mohammad Salem Al Kaabi, Director of the Emirates Human Rights Association, said that there is not much to be said, as His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said it all.
“These martyrs have fallen from each Emirati house, but their sacrifice has not gone to waste as they were fighting for the country’s [Yemen] legitimacy and for justice. All the UAE is sad and is mourning this great loss, but we are all proud of them and their sacrifice,” Al Kaabi said.
He said he prays that Allah grants their families the patience and strength to overcome their loss. “We also wish all those injured a speedy recovery.”
Major General Obaid Muhair Bin Surour, Deputy Director-General of GDRFA-Dubai, said all of the UAE mourns the brave soldiers that have fallen defending justice and protecting the region.
“These martyrs are the best example of what the children of the UAE are like, they are an example of bravery and their sacrifices will always be remembered,” he said.
Maj Gen Bin Surour said the UAE is proud of its martyrs and offered his condolences to their families.
Yousuf Ali M.A, managing director of LuLu Group and board member of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, said, “The utmost courage and ultimate sacrifice by the brave UAE martyrs is a proud moment for all of us living in this great country. This shows the strong resolve of UAE nationals who have always stood with their Arab brethren at the time of crisis to uphold the spirit of unity. Their martyrdom will not go in vain and peace and prosperity will Inshallah prevail in Yemen soon, where millions are suffering from oppression and tyranny of the militia. I pray to Allah to give eternal peace to the brave departed souls and strength to the families of the true heroes.”
Jameela Al Hameli, board member of the Emirates Human Rights Association, told Gulf News: “This situation is a mixture of pain and pride. Pain for losing our soldiers and pride because of what they have offered for the country. Our condolences go out to their parents and while it is difficult for us to express the sadness in our hearts, we will still hold our heads up high in pride. We will continue our journey with our wise leadership and the solidarity that the UAE people is expressing right now is evidence of our strength.”
Echoing Jameela’s thoughts, prominent Emirati writer and literary Ali Abu Al Reesh told Gulf News: “There is no doubt that losing the martyrs is a loss for every UAE citizen and we do not send our condolences to their parents alone but to ourselves as well for this loss. The martyrs rose in a display of their honourable characteristics, their dignity and pride and they showed us that the UAE cannot be stopped in the face of extremist ideologies and terrorist activities. Their bravery will be etched in letters of gold in history to reflect that the UAE is a country that stands with justice, peace and equality.”
Mohammad Yousuf, chairman of the UAE Journalists’ Association, told Gulf News: “There is no doubt that the UAE’s decision to cooperate in the fight against the Al Houthi rebels is a big one and, like any such step, it is inevitably accompanied with a few sacrifices. There is no doubt as well that the blood that has been spilt by the martyrs will go towards protecting our beloved country and restoring the Yemeni lands from the hands of the deviants.”
