Two UAE soldiers martyred in Yemen

The General Command of the UAE Armed Forces has announced the martyrdom of two of its soldiers. First-Sergeant Nassir Gharib Al Mazrouie succumbed to injuries he sustained earlier while performing his national duty as part of the Saudi-led Arab coalition's Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen.

The Spokesman of the Arab Coalition Forces, supporting the legitimacy in Yemen, Col. Turki Al-Malki, announced the martyrdom of Second-Lieutenant Pilot Sultan Mohamed Ali Al Naqbi, an affiliate of the UAE Armed Forces, as his plane fell into the Red Sea after sustaining a technical failure while carrying out his duties as part of Operation Restoration of Hope.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency, SPA, the Joint Forces Command of the Arab Coalition offered condolence to the family of the martyr, praying to Almighty Allah to rest his soul in eternal peace and bestow solace on his family.

Emiratis and expats flocked to Sharjah's Kalba city to bid farewell to First-Sergeant Al Mazrouie, who was laid to rest at the Kalba Cemetery.

Gharib Al Mazrouie, the martyr's father, said he was proud of his son's martyrdom. "My son had received a serious injury in the Maarib attack in Yemen on September 4, 2015. He was in coma after that. He was airlifted to a hospital in Germany.

"My beloved son was then shifted to the Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi for completing his treatment, but he was declared dead."

His relatives and friends expressed pride over his bravery and sacrifice. "All his friends, neighbours and colleagues performed funeral prayers at the Sayed Al Shohada mosque in Kalba," said a relative.

Latifa Al Mazrouie, the 29-year-old martyr's sister, said the family was devastated over his death. "However, we are very proud of his great sacrifice and his dedication to the nation."

The martyr raised his children on values of love and loyalty for the country, said Latifa.

"He always asked us to do the same. We pledge to follow in his footsteps and protect our beloved country."

First-Sergeant Al Mazrouie was known for his bravery and patriotism, she underlined. "He used to tell us about his pride and satisfaction while defending justice and legitimacy in Yemen."

The martyr was married and had a four-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. He had four brothers and four sisters.

His sacrifice is instrumental in building the nation, said Latifa. "We are all ready to sacrifice our soul and blood for our country and leadership. It is actually an honour."

The martyr was well-known for his good manners and readiness to assist anyone in need, she said.

Source: Khaleej Times