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

The injured personnel have received the necessary medical care

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From left to right (clockwise): Abdulaziz Al Taniji, Nasser Al Balooshi, Ahmed Al Shehhi and Nahyan Al Marzouqi
by

Sara AlKuwari

Published: Wed 25 Sep 2024, 8:42 AM

Last updated: Thu 26 Sep 2024, 4:48 PM

[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.

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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

Meanwhile, Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, visited the injured on Wednesday. He offered his "deepest condolences to the leadership and people of the UAE on the martyrdom of four brave UAE Armed Forces men who lost their lives in an accident in the country while in the line of duty."

“We truly wish them a swift recovery. The sacrifices of our Armed Forces heroes and martyrs will always remain in our hearts and minds. With their devotion to safeguard the UAE's progress and integrity, they continue to set an example for noble service to the nation," Sheikh Hamdan added.

Military funeral

The Ministry of Defence held a military funeral for the four soldiers.

Watch video here:

The ceremony was attended by a number of senior leaders and officers of the Ministry of Defence and a number of families and relatives of the deceased.

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Sara AlKuwari

Published: Wed 25 Sep 2024, 8:42 AM

Last updated: Thu 26 Sep 2024, 4:48 PM

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