Fujairah: The brother of a UAE pilot martyred in Yemen has praised “his duty and sacrifice to protect our country”.
On Monday, the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces said Fujairah-based Zayed Ali Al Kaabi died while performing his national duty in Operation Restoring Hope, being carried out by a Saudi-led coalition that includes the UAE.
Another UAE serviceman, First Lieutenant Mohammad Obaid Al Hammoudi from Dibba Al Hosn, was also martyred, the General Command had announced.
Zayed was 36 and died on his birthday (March 14), said his brother Adel Ali Al Kaabi, 29, who is also serving in Yemen but returned home on Monday to be with his family during the funeral preparations.
Zayed is survived by his wife, four sons, four brothers, eight sisters and mother.
“My brother was a good man, liked by everyone. I spoke with him over the phone when we were both in Yemen. He asked about the family’s well-being, my health, adding that he was doing fine. I think I am the last one to speak to him before he went on his mission and was martyred,” Adel said.
“His children, aged between 3 and 10, don’t know yet what happened. They are just wondering why they didn’t go to school today,” Adel said on Monday at the family’s condolence gathering before the funeral.
Adel added that Zayed had been scheduled to return to the UAE next week, after completing what was meant to be his month-long tour of duty in Yemen. It was the first time Adel had gone to Yemen as part of Operation Restoring Hope.
“We miss him. We are proud of his duty and sacrifice to protect our country.”
Adel said he will return to Yemen shortly to continue his national duty. Another brother is also serving in the UAE Armed Forces, Adel added. The family lives in the Mirbeh district of Fujairah.
Monday’s announcement brings the number of UAE servicemen martyred in Yemen to 77. The coalition of Arab countries is fighting Al Houthi rebels to restore the legitimate government of Yemen.
