Families of UAE martyrs are sad but proud

Families of the UAE martyrs in Fujairah and Kalba put on a brave face as they said their sons sacrificed their lives for their homeland.
Khaleej Times interviewed the family of two brothers - Hamed Mohammed Abbas Al Baloushi and Rashid Mohammed Abbas Al Baloushi - who were martyred in Yemen. The brothers lost their lives in Friday's attack on a military base of the Arab Coalition Forces in Yemen housing ammunition and military equipment, which claimed the lives of 45 Emirati soldiers.
The family members - in Al Turaif locality in Kalba, Sharjah - looked composed despite the demise of the two men. Maryam Mosa, wife of martyr Rashid Mohammed, 37, said that her husband, since he left the UAE for Yemen on August 13, would always give his national duty a top priority and security and stability of the country was most important for him. Describing her husband as a 'caring father', Maryam said: "Even while at war in Yemen, he would call and keep in touch with his children and family."
Not only did he follow their academic performance and progress at school, he was also keen on inculcating values of love for their nation, loyalty and allegiance to the country's leaders in his children, she added.
Rashid has left behind four children - two girls and two boys. Meaad Mohammed, wife of martyr Hamed Mohammed, 35, said although she is overwhelmed with grief due to the sudden death of her husband, she is proud that he died a martyr while serving his nation.
Meaad said her husband always preached high moral values to his family, friends and children. She said Hamed insisted on joining the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen, which reflects his love to achieve martyrdom and devotion to serve his country. He sacrificed his life to maintain the security and stability of the country. Hamed has left behind five children - three boys and two girls.
In Merbeh, Fujairah, Khaleej Times met Fatima Al Saadi, sister of Emirati martyr Jassim Al Saadi. Fatima said she was proud that her brother was martyred while performing his national duty. "He grew up here and was raised adoring and defending his homeland." Fatima said. Talking about his qualities, Fatima said her brother was compassionate and kind and was keen on observing good values and morals.
Though he was young, he showed responsibility towards the causes of his country. Fatima went on to say: "Jassim willed that we build a mosque in his name, as if he knew that his time has come." Jassim shall remain in our hearts, and in the hearts of every Emirati and Arab, she added. "He died at the age of 24 and was the eldest among his brothers," she concluded.
salah@khaleejtimes.com
 
 

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, talking to family members of martyr Ahmad Ghulam Abdul Karim Lingawi in the Nouf area of Sharjah on Sunday. — Wam