Family members remember martyred pilots

The martyrs bodies arrived at Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen airport. - Wam

The General Command of the UAE Armed Forces announced the martyrdom of Major Pilot Saeed Saif Al Mismari and 1st Lt Pilot Badr Yahya Mohammed Al Marashda, whose aircraft crashed due to a technical snag in Yemen.
The bodies of the two Emirati martyrs arrived at Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi, on board a military plane. Senior officers received the martyrs' bodies at a special military reception.
Families and relatives of the martyrs, said: "The martyrs have bravely sacrificed their blood for their country and nation."
Ali Amer Humaid, father of Al Mismari's widow, said they were shocked about his death, but were fully surrendered to God's fate and hoped that he would be accepted by Almighty Allah as a heroic martyr. "His unique sacrifice is a source of pride and hounour to the entire family," Humaid said.
The 36-year-old martyr is a brother of 11 siblings, he added. "He got married 10 years ago and has a daughter aged nine, and boys aged six and two."
The martyr flew to Yemen one month back, Humaid said. "He used to be in contact with his families all the time, and he last spoke to his wife on Monday."
The martyr was kind and obedient to his parents and caring about about his siblings, he said. "He was so respected and loved by all his many friends and fellow mates, due to his dedication and good manners."
Sultan Al Zaabi, uncle of the martyr Al Marashda, said the latter was one of the greatest heroes of the UAE armed forces. "It is an honour for the entire family, Kalba city and the UAE to be crowned with his martyrdom.
To have a martyr is an exceptional honour for the entire family, he pointed out. "To bravely defend our country and sacrifice our soul and blood to defend it is what we are all eagerly longing for."
These sacrifices of the UAE Armed forces heroes shall remain a source of pride and honour for all future generations, he added. Al Marashda, born in Kalba city, was the elders of three brothers and three sisters. He was married and had a one-year-old daughter Salama, while his pegnant wife is expecting their second baby soon, Al Zaabi said. "The martyr has always dreamt of being a fighter pilot to protect his country and be a martyr," he added.
Al Marashda first joined the UAE Armed forces in Yemen for six months, following which he returned to the country, got married and had a baby. "This was his second time, joining the operations four months back."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com