‘WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR MARTYRS … THEIR DEEDS REMAIN ETERNAL’
Country’s Rulers lead condolences and meet relatives of four servicemen killed in action. Nawal Al Ramahi reports
The country’s leaders yesterday visited the grieving relatives of four Emirati servicemen who died when their helicopter crash-landed in Yemen, praising a bravery and dedication that will “remain indelible in the memory of the nation”.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was among the leaders who spent yesterday with the parents and children of the martyred pilots and soldiers.
The four dead were Captain Ahmed Khalifa Al Baloushi, from Al Ain; First Lieutenant Pilot Jassim Saleh Al Zaabi, from Ras Al Khaimah; Warrant Officer Mohammed Saeed Al Hassani, from Fujairah; and Warrant Officer Sameer Mohammed Murad Abu Bakr, from Ajman.
“We take pride in our intrepid martyrs who come at the forefront of our nation on account of the heroic sacrifices they made for their country,” Sheikh Mohammed said, according to the state news agency Wam.
“Their deeds will remain an eternal testament to their deeply rooted values of giving and loyalty to our gracious soil, which they inherited from their forefathers.”
Three servicemen injured in the crash are being treated in hospital.
They are Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed, the grandson of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding President, and Rashid Al Dhahouri and Rashid Al Baloushi.
At the home of Capt Al Baloushi, 27, his mother yesterday said that the family were saddened but proud in equal measure.
“It is difficult for each mother to lose her son, but he made me proud and raised my head. My grief is soothed by his martyrdom,” said Nora Mohammed.
“I proudly say he is a martyr and did his duty towards the country. I am sad for losing him, but I pray for him to be in Heaven.”
Capt Al Baloushi was serving in Yemen as part of the Arab coalition’s Operation Restoring Hope, which seeks to reinstate the internationally recognised Yemeni government of Abdrabu Mansur Hadi and push back Houthi militia that seized key areas of the country last year.
Ms Mohammed said she last heard from her son three days before the crash.
In a WhatsApp message, he had asked that his family always remember him at his best, should he not make it home.
“I truly apologise for every person I hurt without knowing,” he wrote.
“I request everyone I know to forgive me if I done something wrong or made any tactless remarks. I am performing a national service to serve my country. For anyone who wants to talk to me, I am always available. I bid you farewell, trusting in God to protect you and protect my country.”
His mother told him that he would soon start a family.
“I told him that I am looking for a wife for him. But he told me that he asks God for martyrdom,” she said.
Alia Al Baloushi, 24, his sister, spoke of her brother with pride.
“He was a fearless man who brought joy to the house. He was an affectionate and compassionate brother,” she said.
“His birthday is during this month. He was turning 28 years old this month.
“My brother graduated from his school and joined the forces. It was his dream to become a military man, just like his father,” Ms Al Baloushi said. “He was adventurous. He joined shooting clubs, car racing and learned how to scuba dive.
“He brought joy whenever he was at home. He planned many trips for his sisters and was very attached to my mother.”
At another armed forces home, that of WO Al Hassani, in Fujairah, there was also sadness and pride.
“My father meant everything to me,” said his daughter Mariam, 11.
“He used to tell me that education is the most powerful weapon. My mother told me and my brothers and sisters that my father is a martyr and he will be in heaven.
“We pray for him to be in heaven and will do our best to remain strong.”