Abu Dhabi: The first batch of UAE soldiers, who came back from Yemen on Saturday, said that liberating Marib and the Marib Dam was a “quantum leap” in the drive to restore legitimacy to the country.
Grand celebrations were held at Zayed Military City to welcome the 15-km-long UAE army convoy that rolled into the UAE from Yemen on Sunday after countering Al Houthi rebels in Operation Restoring Hope.
The first batch has been replaced by a second rotation of army personnel who assumed their national duty on November 2 as part of the UAE’s strategic rotation of troops.
‘Substantial victories’
Amid people from all walks of life zealously waving the flag and cheering for the gallant heroes, Mohammad Saeed Al Shehi, one of the Emirati soldiers, told Gulf News that liberating Marib Dam was one of his truest victories.
“Liberating Marib Dam will eternally be one of our history’s paramount turning points, as it was rebuilt by our founding father, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”
“The goals that we have successfully been able to accomplish have brought happiness to our hearts, as they were all aimed at holding on to Arab unity and granting our Yemeni brothers the peace and serenity that they have sought after for months.”
‘Thankful to be home’
Abdul Aziz Mohammad Al Shehi said that he is grateful to be home after managing to expel the Al Houthi insurgents from Marib and Bab Al Mandab.
“Returning safely to our home country, particularly after liberating Marib and its dam as well as Bab Al Mandab, was a true win on its own. Being welcomed by sincere people spanning different generations, who hailed our triumphs through queuing up at the streets to offer us a hero’s welcome, brought tears of happiness and joy to our eyes.”
‘Our pioneering leadership’
Speaking to Gulf News with his proud 14-year old son standing next to him, Yousuf Abdullah Fekri said: “Our pioneering leadership has been with us along every step of the way and supported us at all times. We wouldn’t have been able to reach where we are today without their unwavering support.”
Fekri also added that words can never do justice to convey how honoured he was to have been welcomed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as well as His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, both of whom greeted soldiers with a military salute and shook hands with each one of them during the celebrations.
‘Martyrs’ selfless sacrifices’
Paying tributes to the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives and their families to help Yemeni people weather the storm, Hani Ali Al Muhairi said: “We will never forget our heroic martyrs who gave their all for the sake of defending the country and restoring peace.”
“Raising the victory of Islam was the one achievement I take pride in, which will forever leave a mark in the history of the UAE. I would like to thank our pioneering leadership and the people of this country who showered us with love and extended their heartfelt wishes and appreciation to us.”
‘All the best to the second batch’
Ali Abbas Ebrahim Al Beloushi expressed his pride in managing to stay hand in hand with the Arab coalition forces to overcome Marib’s battered conditions and liberate its historical dam.
Al Beloushi added that he is certain that the second batch of soldiers will turn up trumps and build on the army’s notable successes.
“May God grand them the strength at all times for them to be able to restore legitimacy to Yemen. We wish them the very best of luck.”
‘National duty’
Defending one’s homeland and standing against anything that may undermine its security is everyone’s national duty, Khalid Ahmad Al Buraiki said.
“It is our responsibility to overcome any obstacles that may pose a threat to our countries’ safety. We all feel very proud to have returned knowing that our country and leadership are proud of us. We’ve managed to witness a wealth of accomplishments with the help of our army, along with the other coalition forces.”
“And there isn’t a stronger reward than returning to your home country after claiming big victories,” he added.
‘Historical moment’
Saturday’s day of receptions to honour the returning soldiers ignited Suliman Al Tunaiji’s passion and patriotism for this country even more, he said.
“Seeing our leaders attend the celebrations and greet each one of us individually will be engraved in my memory for the rest of my life.”
“The UAE army has represented their country in the best way possible through standing in solidarity with their brothers in need. The UAE army has raised the bar high when it comes to remaining loyal, faithful and true to one’s country.”
‘What a mission’
The UAE army has proven to the whole world that they will always be able to scale heights through their outstanding acts of courage during their notable participation in Yemen’s Operation Restoring Hope, Murad Al Beloushi said.
“Returning to the UAE as victors is the greatest reward possible. I am willing to go back to Yemen, or any other country that our leaders ask us to travel to, just to fight for such a good cause and stand with those in need.”
“I feel overwhelmingly honoured to have been granted the opportunity to embark on such a meaningful mission, under the command of our leaders, who always stressed the importance of extending a helping hand to those who seek it.”
‘Happiness that cannot be translated into words’
Joining forces and standing hand in hand with the rest of the armies in Yemen to completely liberate Marib and Bab Al Mandab was Mohammad Al Naseri’s moment of pride.
“Feelings of honour and patriotism were profoundly instilled in me when we all joined forces to restore peace again to Marib and Bab Al Mandab and expel the Al Houthi rebels.”
“Needless to say that liberating Marib’s historical dam was yet another achievement on its own, given that it was rebuilt by our founding father Shaikh Zayed.”
Al Naseri also added that the huge celebrations, which the army was treated to, made him and the rest of the soldiers grateful for being part of a country that truly recognises talent and appreciates one’s hard work and dedication.
