21-year-old embraces martyrdom in Yemen

Ras Al Khaimah - The 21-year-old, based at Al Shaam area, some 40km to the north of Ras Al Khaimah, was part of the second batch of the UAE land forces sent to Yemen.

An Emirati soldier was martyred and another wounded while taking part in the Saudi-led Arab Coalition's Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen, the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces announced on Sunday.
UAE martyr Abdullah Juma Hassan Al Shamsi Laqatari, who had signed his marriage contract only two months back, bravely insisted on taking part in the 'Operation Restoring Hope' in Yemen.
The 21-year-old, based at Al Shaam area, some 40km to the north of Ras Al Khaimah, was part of the second batch of the UAE land forces sent to Yemen.Khalaf Al Shamsi, brother of the martyr, said he was part of the first batch of the UAE armed forces sent to Yemen. "I was not lucky enough to get the honour of martyrdom like my younger brother Abdullah."He had always been dreaming to have this honour, he added.
"My brother's engagement and planned marriage was not a problem to him. He was more keen to get married to the 'Hoor Al Ain' or women of paradise upon martyrdom."The news about the demise of the young martyr was widely shared on social media across the country, he pointed out. "Emiratis and residents, though grieved of losing another hero serviceman, are proud of his exceptional bravery."
The martyr, born in 1995, was planning to tie the knot after coming back to the country, according to his 39-year-old brother Saeed Juma Al Shamsi.
"My brother joined the UAE Armed Forces in 2012."The family was only notified by the UAE Armed Forces about Abdullah's martyrdom around 1pm on Sunday. "We will be informed later about when his body will be retrieved."
All the 12 brothers of Abdullah are proud of him and wish to sacrifice their blood and soul for the country, Saeed underlined."May Almighty Allah accept him as a martyr and rest his soul in eternal peace." It is an honour for all brothers, sisters, relatives and all nationals to have a martyr like Abdullah. "We are all ready to complete the sacred mission and defend right and legitimacy."
Saeed, a military serviceman, said the last time he saw Abdullah was last week when he was on a short military leave in the UAE."We sat together at our late father's house where we always gather to talk. He insisted to see us all and bid farewell before returning to Yemen."
Saeed remembered his brother was an honourable man who was helpful to anyone in need for assistance. "He never said 'No' to anyone, and was so kind and easygoing."Their father, who passed away in 2012, was an employee with the Ministry of Social Affairs. "The family is nicknamed Laqatari, a name carried by our grandfather who was known for his many pearl diving voyages off the Qatari coasts."
Saeed said they were eagerly waiting for Abdullah's safe return to come together, chat again, and share the happy moments. "We wanted to attend his wedding ceremony, but we are all ready to complete his mission."
The General Command of the UAE Armed Forces extended its sincere condolences to the family and relatives of the martyr, praying to Almighty Allah to rest his soul in eternal peace.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah