Emiratis express solidarity with UAE mission in Yemen

Dubai: Emiratis have expressed their solidarity with the brave efforts of soldiers and martyrs involved in Operation Restoring Hope in conflict-ridden Yemen, as their courage serves as an inspiration to the community.

Sixty-nine UAE soldiers have sacrificed their lives since the start of Operation Restoring Hope, as part of the Saudi Arabia-led Arab coalition fighting Al Houthi rebels to restore the legitimate government of Yemen.

Ameera Mahmoud Al Marzouqi, 22, a government employee, commended the bravery of soldiers and martyrs, and explained that the conflict in Yemen has united the people in admiration and pride for their valiant efforts. “A great man once said: ‘Arab oil can never be dearer than Arab blood.’ This great man was our late ruler and father His Highness Shaikh Zayed Al Nahyan, and I believe that message is embedded in the values of every brave Emirati soldier that was, and is, at the war zone. We have been blessed with great rulers and, through them, we have learnt the act of unity, not only within our country but also in our brother countries in the Gulf and the Arab region. Both the families of soldiers and martyrs are an inspiration to us, and the Emirati community as a whole are proud of them.”

Nahla Fadhlani, a doctoral student, 35, said: “I am proud and very supportive of the brave efforts of the soldiers and martyrs who risked their lives for the sake of the nation. We, as a society, are in a scenario that we have never faced before as a new generation will grow up without their fathers, and we all have to come together and support them. Each Emirati has to understand that we are now all responsible for the children and parents who have lost their fathers and sons.”

Wissam Bu Hamdan, a government employee, told Gulf News that the UAE has always been proactive in everything it does.

“When Yemen had called for UAE’s help, the UAE was quick to respond. Our soldiers are on a mission to bring back stability to Yemen because whatever threatens its security is also threatening the security and stability of Yemen’s neighbouring countries. The UAE has made it a priority to liberate Yemen from the Al Houthi rebels and, with the will of God, it will do that successfully.”

On the UAE soldiers now fighting in Yemen, Bu Hamdan said he would like to send a message to them. “We are with you and will support you until the end. With the sacrifices you are making, you are raising our heads high. We encourage you to keep moving forward until you defeat the aggressors.”

Khalifa Mohammad Al Jasmi, also a government employee, said the mission is not only restoring hope in Yemen but restoring hope for everyone in the region and for every Muslim nation.

“The Saudi-led coalition restoring hope in Yemen is also restoring hope to our history, our families and brothers inside and outside Yemen. The UAE’s role in Yemen is essential to preserve the region’s Arab identity and, most importantly, the stability of our nation.”

His message to the valiant soldiers is “remain steadfast, you are not alone. Our souls and prayers are always with you. We hope all the soldiers return home safe and that the legitimate government is restored”.

Bader Al Bastaki, an engineer at the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, said UAE’s role in Yemen is for Yemen’s unity.

“The UAE will always stand by its brothers and neighbours in times of need,” he said, adding that the UAE “has been providing all kinds of assistance and support to Yemeni people”.

Hassan Sajwani, 32, a banker, expressed his pride in the tremendous efforts of soldiers who died fighting. “Our fellow heroes are a symbol of national pride, and we are now encouraging our children on the importance of sacrifice and have started teaching our younger ones that this form of bravery is the ultimate goal. The nation is always a priority for us, and we are all willing to make a sacrifice. “