UAE Rulers thank the country’s ‘gallant sons’ for their heroic efforts in battle

ABU DHABI // Soldiers were welcomed back from the battlefields of Yemen by their leaders and their people yesterday.

The UAE’s Rulers praised them for their sacrifices, loyalty and gallantry, as the convoy made its way through the country, taking in a tour of Zayed Military City.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said that although the UAE was a nation of peace, it would not hesitate to stand by in unity with the sister states.

“The honourable performance of our Armed Forces in the battlefield and their effective contribution towards the victories of the Arab Coalition in Yemen are the best proof that our soldiers maintain high defence and combat readiness,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“This ensures that our country possesses a shield that protects its soil and a sword that guarantees its security and the safety of its people.”

In fighting as part of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, the nation had established itself as a defender in the battle to uphold peace and unity, he said.

“We defend the values of justice, rightness and goodness, provide relief for whoever is in distress and go to the frontline to help the oppressed wherever they are.

“We have wielded arms only against oppression, injustice and tyranny, and the forces of evil that had ill intentions against us plan to damage our present, and usurp our right to build our future that we want to be full of hope, work, wellbeing and growth.

Sheikh Mohammed spoke of the nation’s great pride in its heroes.

“You lived up to the expectations of your people.

“With your heroic acts you proved to the whole world that the UAE never hesitates to fulfil its duty towards its brothers, and that it never backs away from our firm positions that we took for them because we strongly believe in the depth of our belonging to the Arab Nation.

“We are fully committed to safeguarding the peace and stability of our region at all costs and sacrifices, in which we take pride, and by which we become more determined to stand out among nations.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, accompanied the Vice President and saluted the warriors back from the battlefields of Yemen.

“My gallant sons and my brothers of the UAE Armed Forces, I salute you all and convey to you the greetings of President Sheikh Khalifa, who is very proud of your sacrifices for the UAE security, of your protection of its interest, and of your support to our brothers and friends by ensuring security and by standing in the face of any threats by terrorist groups and by contributing to regional and global peace and stability.”

The fight to restore power to the legitimate and internationally recognised Yemeni government has seen the soldiers’ leave their mark on history, Sheikh Mohammed said.

“The participation of our gallant Armed Forces as part of Saudi-led operations Decisive Storm and Restoring Hope adds a new chapter to our nation’s glory, to the history of the UAE military, renowned for sacrifices and achievements, and to the history of our country in support of the righteousness, a legacy of the late [Founding President] Sheikh Zayed.”

The country could hold its head high in pride over what its soldiers had achieved in Yemen, the Crown Prince said.

Carrying out their tasks efficiently and with great bravery, dignity and professionalism, they had earned the respect of the rest of the world for their eagerness to guarantee the safety of civilians, Sheikh Mohammed said.

The battle to hold on to Marib was also notable, he said: “Of great significance is the UAE Armed Forces’ contribution in liberating the Marib Dam, which was rebuilt by the late Sheikh Zayed as a symbol of development, from the forces of evil and destruction.

“Our forces regained that landmark from the bandits of evil and deceitful sectarianism to show that the UAE always ensures that good prevails over evil and development over destruction.”

The Crown Prince said the country had not entered the fields of battle for any other reason than to help those in need.

“We haven’t gone to Yemen in pursuit of selfish interests. We haven’t attacked anyone and we never beat drums of war.

“The war was imposed on us after all peaceful solutions were exhausted and after Yemen fell to the grip of armed militias with a destructive sectarian agenda, not only for Yemen but for the whole region.

“Our participation in the Arab Coalition came as part of a national mission, dictated by our national and humanitarian responsibilities, in response to a request by the legitimate government in Yemen and in implementation of the international legitimacy resolutions.”

nalremeithi@thenational.ae