All I want is victory or martyrdom: UAE martyr Al Ketbi

The UAE hero Staff Colonel Sultan Mohammed bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi (left) martyred along with a Saudi serviceman (right) in Yemen on Sunday. Supplied photo

'All I want is either victory or martyrdom' were the last words of the UAE Staff Colonel Sultan Mohammed bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi, who was martyred along with a Saudi serviceman in Yemen on Sunday.
The duo was taking part in Operation Restoring Hope under the Saudi-led Arab coalition forces in the province of Taiz, the third largest city in Yemen near Mocha port on Red Sea.
The 45-year-old serviceman, based in Al Dhaid area in Sharjah, dedicated his life to the UAE armed forces which he joined in 1990, according to his 48-year-old brother Salem Mohammed bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi.
"This was his first decision from the very beginning, he firmly set his heart on it, and insisted on joining the Arab coalition forces and supporting rights, justice, and legitimacy in Yemen. My brother used to say he was all set for victory or martyrdom, that it was his mission, and he was more than ready to sacrifice his soul and blood for his country, nation and leaders," his brother added.
"Four weeks ago, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, paid tributes to the martyr's courage in leading victory in the Mandeb Strait battle."
He was the leader of the force which conquered the Houthi rebels in this critical strait located between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula, and Djibouti, the brother elaborated.
The martyr, buried on Monday evening after Maghreb Prayer, was married and had three boys and four girls. "He was a compassionate father and husband," said the brother.
He was also a kind brother to his six brothers and six sisters. "He was helpful to us all, but serving his country has always been his top priority."
The martyr was also grateful to his family members, particularly his aged parents. "He used to call and check on them twice a day in the morning and evening." Salem was the last one the martyr talked to on Sunday evening before Maghreb Prayer. "He was checking on his parents, and asked me to send his regards to all family members, and pray for him."
Salem was the first to know about his brother's martyrdom. "I did not know what to do, and how to tell our parents and family, but later decided to wait for a while and inform them after Fajr prayer."
"There is no power nor might save in Allah, to Allah we belong, and to Him is our return, and we shall never say anything that may displease Allah." This was how the agonised father reacted to his son's martyrdom. The father was proud that his son died while performing his national duty and fighting under the UAE flag and leadership, Salem added.
"He gave most of his free time to charity, orphans, and doing good things for the family, relatives, friends, neighbours, and anyone in need for help."
All the martyr's brothers and sisters, though heartbroken, are proud of his martyrdom, he stressed. "It is an honour to serve under the prudent leadership of the UAE, and we will repeat the martyr's inspiring words: victory or martyrdom."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com