Video: Two UAE fighter pilots martyred in Yemen laid to rest

Sharjah/Fujairah - Major Pilot Saeed Saif Al Mismari and First Lieutenant Pilot Badr Yahya Mohammed Al Marashda's aircraft crashed due to technical failure

Two Emirati fighter pilots martyred in Yemen were laid to rest on Wednesday.

The General Command of the UAE Armed Forces late on Tuesday announced the martyrdom of Emirati servicemen Major Pilot Saeed Saif Al Mismari and First Lieutenant Pilot Badr Yahya Mohammed Al Marashda after their aircraft crashed due to technical failure while they were carrying out their national duty as part of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition's Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen.

A pall of gloom descended on the families and relatives of the martyrs when they received the news of their deaths. Despite the sadness, a sense of pride filled them too. They saluted the martyrs for their bravery and exceptional sacrifice. "They have honourably and bravely sacrificed their lives for the country," they said.

Ali Amer Humaid, father of the Al Mismari's widow, said they were shocked over his death, but fully surrendered to God's will, and hoped that he would be accepted by Almighty Allah as a martyr. "His unique sacrifice is a source of pride and hounour to the entire family."

The 36-year-old martyr got married 10 years back and has a nine-year-old daughter, six-year-old son, and two-year-old son.

He flew to Yemen one month back, Humaid said. "He used to be in contact with his family all the time. On Monday, it was for the last time when he spoke to his wife."

He was kind and obedient to his parents and loved by his 11 siblings, Humaid said. "He was respected and admired by all his friends."

Sultan Al Zaabi, uncle of martyr Al Marashda, said, "It is an honour for the entire family, the Kalba city, and the UAE to be crowned with his martyrdom."

To have a martyr is an exceptional honour for the entire family, he pointed out. "To bravely defend our country and sacrifice our soul and blood defending it is what we all eagerly long for."

His martyrdom will be a source of pride for coming generations, he added. "The martyr, born in Kalba city, was the eldest among three brothers and three sisters."

He has a one-year-old daughter called Salama. His wife is pregnant and is expecting a baby soon, Al Zaabi said. "The martyr has always dreamt of being a fighter pilot to protect his country."

The martyr first joined the UAE Armed forces in Yemen for six months, after which he returned to the country, got married and had a baby, he said. "He joined back the operations there four months ago."

The uncle said he came to know about Al Marashda's death from his sister and fellow mate in the UAE army. "I got a call from the armed forces command on Tuesday at 6pm."

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Sharjah
• Fujairah
• MENA