Emirati soldiers killed in Yemen laid to rest

SHARJAH // The UAE on Sunday joined in mourning and laying to rest three Emirati heroes who died defending Yemen on Saturday.

Hundreds took part in funeral prayers for first corporals Juma Al Hammadi, Khalid Al Shehhi and Fahim Al Habsi, on Sunday, who died serving in Operation Restoring Hope, the Saudi Arabian-led coalition battling Houthi rebels.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister for Foreign Affairs, posted a moving tribute to the three soldiers on Twitter: “You have brought tears to our eyes and made us hold our heads up high.”

At Cpl Al Hammadi’s prayer service in Sharjah, his father Jawaher said it was his son’s destiny to die for his country.

“What can I say? It was his destiny. He was a good son and a good father, may he rest in peace,” Mr Al Hammadi said at Sheikh Saoud Al Qasimi Mosque.

Cpl Al Hammadi, 31, lived in Ajman with his mother and three sisters and often visited his father, said his cousin, Mohammed bin Dafoun. He had two children – Rashid, 3, and Jawahar, 18 months.

“Juma is a devout Muslim, a caring and loving person,” Mr bin Dafoun said. “His sisters and brothers loved him so much.

“He always extended his help to his family and was supportive of his sisters and brothers. We were shocked when we heard of his death but that is the will of God. His mother and father are extremely proud of their late son.”

His brother Abdul Rahim, 13, said he last saw Cpl Al Hammadi during a visit about 10 days ago.

“We are sad that he died but we are also happy he is a martyr,” he said. “He taught me and my 10-year-old brother Hassan how to play Sony PlayStation. He was a loving and caring brother.”

Cpl Al Shehhi’s cousin, Huda Al Shehhi, said words could not do justice to the pain and sorrow his mother was feeling.

“A person’s offspring is the closest thing to one’s heart but so is one’s country,” said Ms Al Shehhi. “He answered his country’s call to duty and God have him his wish for the greatest send-off.

“I am happy and honoured that I share a blood relation with that pure soul. May his soul rest in peace.”

Cpl Al Shehhi, 33, was a father of two, and had four brothers and five sisters. After his father died he took great care of his mother, always staying in contact with her.

His family last spoke to him on Friday night. He was in high spirits and asked one of his brothers to take care of their mother, and of his two children.

Sheikh Abdullah and Sheikh Saif visited the families of the three men.

“The sacrifices made by the homeland protectors and their bravery will remain in the consciousness and conscience of the loyal people of the UAE,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed, chairman of the board of trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, last night offered his condolences to the families of the killed soldiers.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, offered his condolences at the RAK homes of Cpl Al Habsi and Cpl Al Shehhi, and led their funeral prayers.

He was accompanied on visits to the families of the two by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s deputy crown prince and minister of defence, ordered that the three Emirati soldiers also be considered Saudi martyrs and he accorded the family benefits given to the kingdom’s fallen soldiers.

tzriqat@thenational.ae

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