Martyr loved his country and died for it, says father

Ras Al Khaimah - Rashid bin Ahmed Al Habsi, a first lieutenant with the UAE Armed Forces, was martyred on Monday during operations against Houthi militia in Yemen.

The Al Habsi family can be best described as a family of martyrs that lost another member in war-torn Yemen on Monday.

According to an official statement, 35-year-old Rashid bin Ahmed Al Habsi, a first lieutenant with the UAE Armed Forces, was martyred on Monday during operations against Houthi militia in Yemen.

Rashid was performing his national duty to support rights, justice and legitimacy in Yemen as part of the Operation Restoring Hope in the country under the Saudi-led Arab coalition forces.

Ahmed Al Habsi, father of the martyr, based in Ras Al Khaimah's Al Seeh area, told Khaleej Times his son was brave and dedicated his life to his country, people and leaders.

"My son died while performing his national duty, defending his country, nation, brothers and leaders," Al Habsi said. "We are more than ready to sacrifice our souls for our nation behind our leaders."

Though Rashid went to Yemen two months ago, he was always in touch with his family, his wife and children, Al Habsi said. "He used to call all of them on a regular basis."

His eyes welling up, the father said he used to consider the martyr like his brother. "He was so close to me and used to discuss everything with me," he said. "He was kind and loving to his parents and children, and offered prayers on time. Everybody loved and respected him."

Humaid Abdullah Al Shehi, brother-in-law of the martyr, said Rashid was married and had three sons and two daughters. "He is actually the second martyr in the family as his cousin Fahem Al Habsi was martyred in Yemen as well."

Al Shehi, husband of the martyr's sister, said Rashid was in love with the UAE armed forces which he proudly joined in 1997.

"He was keen to be a serviceman and defend his country with soul and blood," he added. "He had always been dreaming to take part in Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen to support rights and justice. The last time he talked to his family was on Saturday when he checked on his family members, and advised them all to stick together."

The martyr was widely known for his good manners and devotion to his country, he said. "He was keen to serve his country and bring up his children to love the UAE."

The sad demise of young Rashid was widely shared on social media across the country, he said. "Emiratis and residents, though grieved to lose another hero serviceman, are proud of his exceptional bravery." All the martyr's family and relatives are proud of him and wish to sacrifice their blood and soul for the country, he affirmed. "May Almighty Allah accept him as a martyr and rest his soul in eternal peace."

Talking about the martyr's ethics, Al Shehi said the UAE hero was an honourable man who was helpful to anyone in need. "He never said 'No' to anyone, and was so kind and easygoing."

Emirati martyr's body arrives in Abu Dhabi

The body of the UAE martyr 35-year-old Rashid bin Ahmed Al Habsi arrived at Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi aboard a UAE Air Force plane on Monday evening.

A number of senior Armed Forces officers and non-commissioned officers accompanied the body to the airport, where a special military ceremony held to mark the return of the martyrs' body.

The General Command of the UAE Armed Forces had earlier mourned the soldier who was killed during operations against Houthi militia in Yemen.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

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