Watch: Bodies of diplomats martyred in Afghanistan arrive in UAE

Ras Al Khaimah - Five UAE diplomats were killed in the heinous terrorist attack that took place at the guesthouse of the Kandahar Governor in Afghanistan.

The bodies of Emirati martyrs, who were killed in a terrorist blast in Kandahar, Afghanistan, while on a humanitarian mission, arrived today on board a military aircraft to a special reception attended by senior officials.

His Highness Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and a number of senior civilian and military officials were at the airport to receive the bodies.

The aircraft carried the bodies of four of the five heroes as the committee tasked with the identification of bodies could not locate the body of martyr Mohammed Ali Zainal Al Bastaki, who was said to be standing on the same spot when the explosion took place.

The authorities notified the family members of martyr Al Bastaki who accepted the news with a great sense of pride and emphasised their determination to continue working in support of humanitarian efforts.

Funeral held for martyred diplomat Al Tunaiji in RAK

Grief and sorrow with tears and woes overwhelmed the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah on Saturday evening as crowds of people flocked to the Shaikh Zayed mosque on the Qawasim Corniche to bid farewell to 45-year-old Ahmed Abdurrahman Ahmed Al Tunaiji who was killed in Kandahar blast.

Five UAE diplomats, including Al Tunaiji (left), were killed in the heinous terrorist attack that took place at the guesthouse of the Kandahar Governor in Afghanistan on Tuesday, January 10.

Not only were the Emirati nationals so keen to attend the funeral prayers of the heroic martyr, but also the residents there and nearby emirates did want to give supplications and comfort the relatives of the deceased.

Also read: Five UAE diplomats martyred in Afghan blast

Saeed Alshemeili, a neighbour of the martyr, said Al Tunaiji obtained a bachelor degree from the college of agriculture. "He has obtained a post graduate diploma at the United States, following which he got a master degree at the UAE University."

Al Tunaiji, based in Ras Al Khaimah, has been working with the Abu Dhabi Food Control, he added. "He was assigned as an adviser with the UAE embassy in Kabul where he dug so many water wells on his own expenses."

Mustafa Khalaf, a neighbour of the martyr, said Al Tunaiji, born in Al Rams area, was specialised in food and plants, and had a long experience of over 18 years. "He used this knowledge in the UAE development projects in a number of countries."

Abdullah Alshemeili, a retired Emirati national, told Khaleej Times that the martyr was known for his good manners. "He was dedicated to charitable and humanitarian works."

Naser Mohamed, an Emirati engineer, said the 'martyr of humanity' was slain while extending hand to the orphans. "Al Tunaiji's kids have ironically ended up orphans themselves."

Abdurrahman Al Tunaiji, father of the martyr, said he is so proud of his son who sacrificed his soul and blood for his nation which deserves all kinds of sacrifice. "All my children are ready to sacrifice themselves for the country defending its security and stability."

Such coward crimes shall never deter the sincere work for the nation to pay part of the debt to the beloved country, he added. "It is also out duty to support peace, security and stability in the entire world under the umbrella of our prudent leadership."

Rashid Al Tunaiji, brother of the UAE martyr, said his brother never missed the Fajr or Dawn Prayer in the mosque on time and every day. "I have never met an ethical man like him."

Mohammed Al Tunaiji, brother of the martyr, said he used to share the accommodation with his brother in Abu Dhabi. "The UAE embassy in Afghanistan was the first to tell us about his martyrdom."

Pledging to observe his brother's will, he said the martyr has advised him to continue the 'ongoing charity' project which he started. "That was a mosque being built next to his farm at the Bahya area."

Khawlah Al Tunaiji, sister of the martyr, said - in tears, that her dear brother travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah along with his mother, children, and some of their siblings two weeks back. "He was a role model in showing gratitude to his parents, and used to chip in any charity project."

Ahmed Abdurrahman, cousin of the martyr, said the martyr, the manager of animal control department at the Abu Dhabi food control, and an adviser at UAE embassy in Kabul, was known for his good manners. "He was a real angel or saint; he was a school in giving. I have never seen him but extending white hands to the poor and needy."

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

Here are some glimpses of his personal life:

Al Tunaiji with his 16-year-old Abdurrahman

Al Tunaiji' with his 18-year-old daughter Amira and 16-year-old Abdurrahman

Al Tunaiji with his 18-year-old daughter Amira

Al Tunaiji's 18-year-old daughter Amira and 16-year-old Abdurrahman

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah