4 Emiratis martyred in helicopter crash
dubai — Prayers and grief filled the air and the minds of Emirati citizens as they bid farewell to the four Emirati servicemen killed in Yemen on Saturday.
Overwhelmed by tears, residents of Al Ain and the emirates of Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah flocked to pay their final respects to the martyrs who were killed in a helicopter crash caused by a technical failure.
The General Command of the Armed Forces identified the four soldiers killed in the Governorate of Shabwah as Captain Ahmed Khalifa Al Bloushi (Al Ain), First Lieutenant Pilot Jassim Saleh Al Zaabi (Ras Al Khaimah), Warrant Officer Mohamed Saeed Al Hassani (Fujairah) and Warrant Officer Samir Mohamed Murad Abu Bakr (Ajman).
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, along with senior officials and dignitaries, performed funeral prayers for Jassim Al Zaabi and offered condolences to his family and relatives.
Saeed Al Zaabi, elder brother of martyr Jassim, said his 27-yearold ‘hero’ was the fourth among his eight siblings — four brothers and four sisters. “He wished to get married and form a family and have children.”
Jassim was getting ready for his engagement ceremony after his return from Yemen after Eid Al Adha, he added. “But, Almighty Allah has chosen him for another marriage in paradise with the elite martyrs, thanks to his dedication and sacrifice.”
All of Jassim’s brothers and sisters are more than ready to sacrifice their soul and blood for the country, he said. “We are all so honoured and proud of his exceptional sacrifice as he chose to give his life for his country, defending right and justice.”
Saeed Al Hassani, father of Warrant Officer Al Hassani, said his 38-year-old son has honoured his entire family with his martyrdom. “My elder son was the first among 10 siblings — four brothers and six sisters — and has sacrificed his soul and blood for his nation.”
Mother of 30-year-old martyr Abu Bakr was shocked when told about her son’s martyrdom, but was so proud of his exceptional sacrifice.
“My son will be laid to rest today,
My nephew sent a message to his family and friends three days before his martyrdom, seeking forgiveness if he had hurt them unintentionally.” Dr Saeed Al Sheikh, uncle of Bloushi
but he is totally satisfied about what he has done, as he always wished to be a martyr every time he was sent on a military mission.”
“All his brothers and sisters, relatives and friends are so proud of his rare sacrifice and pledge to complete his mission defending right and justice.”
Al Hassani’s relatives, friends, neighbours as well as other residents from the northern emirate insisted on performing the funeral prayers for the martyr at the Rabia bin Amer Mosque and taking part in the funeral of the hero at the Didana cemetery.
Ali Al Hassani, said his martyred brother, 38, had six children — a son and five daughters. “The martyr joined the Armed Forces 20 years ago during which he showed full responsibility and high level of skills.”
Dr Saeed Al Sheikh, uncle of Captain Bloushi, said the martyr had sent a message to his family and friends on WhatsApp three days before his martyrdom. “He asked them to forgive him if he unintentionally did any wrong to them, told them that he would fly to Yemen to do his national duty, and asked them to keep in touch on his cellphone.”
The martyr was a role model for brave and aspirant young citizens, he added. “He was known for his ethics and bravery and he never thought twice when it came to his national duty. The martyr was and shall always be a source of pride not only to his family but to the entire nation. We are so sorry for losing him and shall never forget him, but we are so proud of his sacrifice.”
Mohammed Al Bloushi, elder brother of the martyr, said he was so proud of his brother. “My brother, a model athlete, was the second in the seven-member family, and they all worked with the Armed Forces and police, including my father, a retired-colonel.”