UAE: 4 soldiers killed in accident while on duty; 9 others injured

[Editor's Note: This article has been updated with information on the cause of the soldiers' deaths based on an official's statement.]

Four members of the UAE Armed Forces died in an accident while on duty. They were transporting ammunition inside one of the camps when the incident happened, a top defence official said in a statement.

Nine others were injured in the same accident that took place on Tuesday evening, September 24, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Those who passed away were identified as Nahyan Al Marzouqi, Ahmed Al Shehhi, Nasser Al Balooshi, and Abdulaziz Al Taniji.

Matar Salem Al Dhaheri, who visited the martyrs families on Thursday, said in a statement: "We offer our sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the martyrs, who gave their pure souls while carrying out the tasks of transporting some ammunition inside one of the camps in the country.”

The ministry mourned the loss of its brave soldiers and extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs. The injured personnel, meanwhile, were immediately transferred to a hospital, where they received urgent and necessary medical care. The Ministry also expressed its hope for their speedy recovery.

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Men of principles

Families and friends took to social media to share their grief and condolences.

Faisal Al-Jasim described his cousin, 24-year-old Nahyan Al Marzouqi – one of the deceased – as "a man of principle", adding, “He was like my younger brother".

Al Marzouqi served the nation in the Ministry of Defence for a year and a half, and was recognised for his dedication to work. He was also known for taking on his father’s responsibilities at home due to his father’s work abroad.

Another relative of Al Marzouqi said on social media: “My cousin's nephew, the last time we met, we were at a relative’s house to celebrate the coronation of Al Ain Football Club for winning the 2024 AFC Champions League."

“May God have mercy on you and all the martyrs and grant you peace in paradise.”

The four soldiers were buried on Wednesday after Isha prayer. Families said the mourning will begin on Thursday, lasting for three days.

Deepest condolences

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