UAE mourns martyrs: Condolences pour in

Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, continued to visit and offer condolences to the families of the Emirati martyrs and armed forces heroes who died in the line of duty while participating in the Arab Coalition's 'Operation Restoring Hope' in Yemen.

Sheikh Saif visited the emirate of Fujairah and offered his condolences at the mourning majlis of the following martyrs: Mohammed Saeed Al Saraidi in Al Sidr area; Khalifa Abdullah Al Saraidi in Al Hala area; Khalifa Mohammed Al Yammahi and Rashid Saeed Al Yammahi in Al Tobin area; and Walid Ahmed Al Khadim in Dibba.

Sheikh Saif expressed his deep condolences and sincere sympathies to the families of the martyrs during his visits to the mourning tents.

He prayed to Allah Almighty to have mercy on the martyr’s souls and grant them eternal peace in heaven, and bestow patience upon their families.

On Monday:

Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior continued to visit and offer condolences to the families of the Emirati martyrs on Monday.

He visited the condolences majlis of martyr Yousuf Hassan Al Obaidli in Arfana area in Sharjah; condolences majlis of martyrs Ahmed Ghulam Lengawi and Waleed Mohammed Al Yasi in Al Nouf district in Sharjah.

He also visited the condolences majlis of martyrs Abdulla Saeed Al Kalbani and Sultan Obaid Al Kaabi in Masfout area in Ajman, and that of martyr Abdulla Ali Al Hammadi in Al Jurf area.

He expressed his deep condolences and sincere sympathies to the families of the martyrs, praying to God Almighty to rest their souls in peace, to grant them rest in Heaven along with all the nation's martyrs, and to provide the families with patience to bear their loss.

Sheikh Mansour and Sheikh Abdullah offer condolences

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, on Monday evening offered condolences to the families of the Emirati martyrs who died while performing their national duty in the Arab coalition ‘Operation Restore Hope’ in Yemen.

Sheikh Mansour and Sheikh Abdullah visited the mourning majlis’ of martyrs Waleed Mohammed Ali Al Yasi, Ahmed Ghulam Abdul Kareem Lingawi and Yousif Hassan Yousif Al Obaidly in Sharjah; as well as of martyr Mohammed Khalid Mohammed Mamdi in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mansour, Sheikh Abdullah and other mourners prayed to Allah the Almighty to bestow mercy and eternal peace on the UAE martyrs and to grant their families comfort and solace.

Condolences Al Mazrouei family

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, offered condolences on the death of Suhail Rashid Suhail Hilal Al Mazroeui at the family residence in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hazza bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Under-Secretary of the Diwan of the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, offered his  condolences at the mourning majalis to the families and relatives of martyrs Omar Rashid Al Maqbali in Um Ghafa; Abdullah Khalifa Al Nuaimi in Hili; Saad Mohammed Al Ahbabi and Butti Aayel Al Ahbabi in Salamat in Al Ain.

Cabinets of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain offer condolences to UAE

The cabinets of the State of Kuwait, kingdom of Saudi Arabia and kingdom of Bahrain, have offered their sincere condolences to the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and to the people of the UAE on Emirati martyrs.

During its weekly meeting which was held under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti Cabinet offered condolences to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on the martyrdom of their services men in the operation.

In Saudi Arabia, Vice-Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session. The Saudi Cabinet expressed its deep condolences to the UAE and Kingdom of Bahrain.

In a session held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Cabinet of Bahrain offered condolences to the President and people of the UAE.

UAE embassies and missions receive condolences

The UAE embassies and missions around the world flew the country's flag at half-mast as a sign of respect to the martyrs. The UAE embassies continued to receive condolences following their martyrdom.

The UAE Ambassador to Yemen accepted condolences from ministers, senior officials, tribes' chiefs, businessmen and citizens who offered sympathy with the UAE and its people and expressed gratitude for the UAE's role in support of Yemen and its people in their struggle to regain their legitimacy, security and stability.

Condolences were offered at the UAE embassy in Cairo by the Egyptian ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Interior and Awqaf, as well as by the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Yemen's Permanent Representative to Arab League and Sudan Ambassador.

In Manama, the embassy received condolences from Ahmed bin Ibrahim Rashid Al Mulla, Speaker of Bahrain's Council of Representatives, while in Amman, the embassy was visited by top Jordanian officials, ministers, dignitaries, members of parliament and former officials who offered condolences to the government of the UAE and voiced their sympathy and support to the families of the martyrs.

The UAE embassy in Beirut received condolences of the Mufti of Lebanon, who said the martyrs' blood will grant UAE more determination to continue its noble mission of restoring hope to Yemen and vanquish the evil forces there.

In Khartoum, the UAE Foreign Ministry expressed in a statement issued in the name of the government and people of Sudan, condolences to the leadership and the people of the UAE on the martyrs who died while performing their national duty to restore peace and stability in Yemen.

The UAE embassy in Mogadishu received condolences from the federal government ministers and members of the parliament.

The UAE embassy in Kuala Lumpur received condolences from Prince Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah, Crown Prince of Pahang.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued a statement by Sartaj Aziz, National Security and Foreign Affairs Adviser, who expressed, on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, sincere condolences on the UAE martyrs.

The General Consulate of the UAE in the Iraqi province of Kurdistan received condolences from Karim Sinjawi, Interior Minister in Kurdistan Province, and Bashar Matti Warda, Archbishop of Chaldean Catholic Arch eparchy of Erbil.

The UAE Permanent Mission to the UN in New York received condolences from the permanent representatives of member countries, senior UN officials and from Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the UN Special Envoy to Yemen.

Ministry of Interior: Courage of heroes upholds truth and safeguards homeland’s dignity

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has asserted that the sacrifices of the martyrs in line with their duties within the Armed Forces are brave heroes that herald the words of truth. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to defend and protect their brethren from injustices and to provide them with the opportunity to lead a respectful life where justice, order, and legitimacy prevail. Their sacrifices embody what it means to safeguard the pride and dignity of the nation and to defend the homeland through national service.

Representing the Ministry of Interior, a number of Ministry officials paid tribute to the martyrs. They expressed their sincere condolences to the families of the martyrs, expressing their pride and their utmost respect for the brave souls; praying to God Almighty to shower them with his mercy and to accept them among his faithful servants.

Al Sha’far: UAE will remain a beacon of truth and justice

Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Sha’far, Undersecretary at MoI extended his condolences to the families of the martyrs and said, “The brave soldiers of the UAE are the finest examples of what it means to sacrifice one’s own blood and one’s own life for the pride and dignity of the homeland.”

 “We are proud of our brave soldiers, the sons of Zayed, whose names have been forever engraved into Arabic and Islamic history,” he added. Al Sha’far prayed to God Almighty for the martyrs to dwell in heaven and to rest in peace, and for the families to be given patience and strength. He stressed that the UAE will continue to be a beacon of truth and justice, and will steadfastly defend the oppressed.

Al Rumaithi: Their pure souls were given in defense of truth and justice

Major-General Mohammed Khalfan Matar Al Rumaithi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police, said the UAE is not merely bidding farewell, rather, the condolences of the nation acknowledge their sacrifice and heroism in giving their dear lives in order to defend the homeland and its safety and security. The nation recognises that these lives were given for the truth, justice, and stability of the entire Gulf as well.

He also asserted that the heroic journey of the martyrs is clearly reflected in what His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said: “Our martyrs, by the mercy of God, are our symbols of our dignity, glory, and the pride of our people and our nation. They have made the ultimate sacrifice and have shed their blood to keep the UAE flag raised high and flying through their heroism and duty. The gallant defenders of the homeland and the brave sons of our Armed Forces will forever remain as a steadfast protective shield and fortified bulwark for this generous nation. They will forever be advocates of the truth and justice, providing both assistance and victory for our brethren.”

Al Rumaithi also said: “This group of martyrs provides the finest example for our youth as they are role models for our nation in what it means to defend what is right in the name of justice and in answering the call of national duty. We know that the sons and daughters of the UAE will communicate these bright images that our martyrs have drawn with their own blood; and this increases our pride even more. Their lives will always be a symbol of pride for all generations to come.”

He also extended his deepest condolences to the higher leadership, the families of the martyrs, and the people of the UAE for the martyrdom of the nation’s soldiers. “These soldiers have made the ultimate and most dear sacrifice in support of truth and justice, and they have been rewarded with martyrdom.”

Al Nuaimi: We renew our covenant to stand united

Major-General Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and MoI said: “As we bid farewell to the host of dignified and honourable martyrs, we stand together in tribute and pay our respect to the pure souls that have embodied the values of patriotism through their sacrifice and efforts to protect the homeland from evildoers. Our martyrs represent the united vision of the people who stand together with their leaders in order to protect our land and its values and civilized achievements that are enjoyed by our beloved nation and the unified Gulf.”

He added: “We renew our vows to stand united against aggressors, and to be willing to make the most precious sacrifice for the sake of our nation’s flag and in support of our brothers and sisters.” He prayed for God Almighty for the martyrs to rest in peace and to shower them with ample blessings in paradise.

Al Khaili: Role models of loyalty and belonging

Major-General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Assistant Undersecretary of the MoI for Naturalization, Residency and Ports Affairs, said: “The UAE is proud of each martyr and they are cherished by all for the sacrifices they have made in defense of truth, justice, and human dignity.”

“The martyrs of this nation who laid down their lives on Yemeni soil are forever written in our history books – their names engraved in light,” he said as he described how they are role models for the youth of the nation. Al Khaili prayed to God Almighty for the martyrs to rest in peace, to grant them mercy, and to place them in heaven among the saints and martyrs.

Al Menhali: Embodiment of patriotism

Major-General Mohammed bin Al Awadhi Al Menhali, Assistant Undersecretary of Resources and Support Services at MoI, said: “The proverbial soldiers of the UAE are testaments of loyalty, courage, and heroism. Their exemplary lives, filled with noble morals and the commitment to carrying out their duties, lived true to the soldiers’ motto – either victory or martyrdom – which reflects their eagerness to support what is right and just, or to receive the great honour of martyrdom.”

He added that the UAE is proud of its virtuous martyrs who have answered the call of national duty with courage and offered their luminous love and loyalty to their homeland. “The sacrifices of these brave martyrs have embodied what it means to be patriotic and to belong to our Savior. Our future generations will continue to protect the UAE flag with pride and dignity, with strength and dedication, and will follow in the footsteps of the martyrs who have become role models through the blood that they have spilled for this great nation.”

Badran: May God protect the UAE and the great men who defend it

Major-General Khalil Dawood Badran, Director General of Finance and Services at the Abu Dhabi Police, said: “The UAE will always remain a respectful, powerful, and protected nation despite the greed of our enemies. As the Lord God has protected the UAE, our noble and honest men are ready and willing to defend the nation – even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the flag and its dignity. Our men will not hesitate to give their lives in order to restore the hope of a dignified and carefree life for our brothers in Yemen.”

He said that the brave sacrifices made by the unwaveringly loyal sons of the UAE will forever be admired by the nation’s sons and daughters and by their leaders. “God rewards the good with heaven and bestows upon then ample blessings. We should not fear for our heroes, nor shall we grieve,” he said.

Major-General Badran prayed to God Almighty to grant them with compassion and to place them in heaven among the prophets and saints, and with their fellow companions and martyrs.

“May God bless our righteous martyrs, and may they forever dwell in peace. As they have rewarded us, may they too be richly rewarded. God save the UAE, and may He protect our people from all harm,” he prayed.

Al Raisi:  A great honour

Major-General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Inspector-General of MoI, said: “There is no honour above martyrdom in the line of duty in defense of the country’s pride and dignity.” He prayed to God Almighty to have mercy on the souls of the martyrs who gave their lives yesterday in Yemen, and to grant their families consolation and solace.

He added: “The martyrdom of this group of brave heroes in line of duty while defending truth, dignity, and legitimacy and while supporting our brethren in Yemen, is a great honor for the martyrs and their families. They are now in heaven with prophets and saints, and we ask God Almighty to bless their pure souls and to grant our soldiers a safe and victorious return home. We are all soldiers of this beneficent nation, and we will remain obedient to our rulers until security and safety are achieved for us and our neighbours.”

The brave soldiers of the UAE are strong-willed men who step up to the circumstances that their duties require of them, and they will not be deterred by their opponents, the calamities, or the tribulations, he added.

Al Shareefi: In defense of righteousness and support of the oppressed

Major-General Abdul Aziz Maktoum Al Shareefi, Director-General of Protective Security at MoI, said: “Through the blood of these heroes, they have exemplified what it means to truly belong to the nation. They are the fruit of the nation planted by our forefather, the late Sheikh Zayed, and they have grown in heroism and courage to sacrifice their lives on the battlefield. These martyrs have faced their enemies without fear, knowing that martyrdom is an honour – an honour that is bestowed upon heroes, and heroes alone.”

He said that the heroes have died in a position that is no stranger to the people of the UAE, as they have laid down their lives in defense of truth and justice and in support of the oppressed.  “This group of martyrs is precious to the homeland, they have bestowed medals of pride and honor upon the nation, and their names will be immortalized throughout the generations to come,” he said. He prayed to God to grant them mercy in heaven and for them to rest in eternal peace, as he acknowledged that martyrdom is the most honorable end for a life because of its high reward by God Almighty.

Al Marzouqui: The greatest accounts of sacrifice

Major-General Jassem Muhammad Al Marzouqui, Civil Defense General Commander-in-Chief said: “Our martyrs embody our nation’s greatest stories of sacrifice for the sake of the homeland and in support of what is right. They have joined their comrades in the march of martyrs who have died in the lines of duty for their country. The nation is proud of their heroes, and may our valiant Armed Forces wear this pride as a crown on their foreheads to find the strength and determination needed when faced with aggressors.”

He added that their martyrdom is an honour that bestows pride upon the nation. “The ultimate sacrifice of the martyrs unifies the UAE in support of their leadership and in defense of their homeland that nourishes the brave sons and daughters.”

Al Marzouqui prayed to God Almighty to have mercy on their souls and to grant them eternal peace in heaven. He prayed for the families of the martyrs and asked God to grant them with comfort and solace.

Al Shamesi: Preserving the Nation’s Security and Safety

Major-General Salem Mubarak Al Shamesi, Director-General of Finance and Services at the Ministry of Interior, expressed his sincerest condolences to the families of the martyrs. He said: “Our brave and heroic martyrs have given their lives for the sake of peace, to preserve the safety and security of the entire region, and to restore hope and stability for Yemen’s land and its people.”

“The names of our martyrs have been engraved in the nation’s proud journey with golden letters. Their names will forever remain in the memory of the UAE, as they have given the most precious gift for the sake of the nation. They have set an example for the citizens of this great nation through embodying what it means to be patriotic, as they have shown their sincere love and loyalty for their country and for their Savior,” he said. Al Shamesi continued by emphasizing that their martyrdom inspires and sharpens the motivation to exert further efforts for the sake of the nation.

Al Muhairi: The UAE is a fortress of resistance and sacrifice   

Major-General Omair Muhammad Ateeq Al Muhairi, Director-General of Police Operations at Abu Dhabi Police, said the UAE will remain a fortress of resistance and sacrifice in the face of rogue militia, and will continue to provide its righteous sons who seek martyrdom for the sake of the homeland and the nation. “Our martyrs are the symbols of heroism and national unity,” he said.

He said the symbolic martyrdom of the UAE soldiers in Yemen will forever remain in the hearts and minds of Emiratis as true examples of what it means to be a martyr and to sacrifice everything. “This heroic title is only bestowed upon the most able-bodied and brave men,” he said.

“The martyrs have performed their duties with the utmost sincerity and dedication in defense of the homeland and in representation of the true image of Islam,” he said. “This important moment inspires the citizens of this nation through unity and tranquility, and will remain in the history of the homeland and the nation.”

“Joining those that have come before them, the martyrs have made the ultimate sacrifice to redeem and to elevate the flag of the UAE and of our sister nations,” he said. “Their sacrifice boldly represents the honor of what it means to be a courageous soldier, and they have received the privilege of martyrdom with all of its honor and heroism.”

He stated that the host of martyred soldiers of the Armed Forces will only enhance the unity and strength of the UAE in the face of international aggression; and in the removal of the injustices and oppression over the Yemeni people. “We stand by our brothers and offer what is most precious to us,” he said as he commended the stance of the UAE people when faced with hard times. “The people of the UAE face these challenges with wisdom, courage, and patience; which reinforces the solidarity of the people who stand unified in support of their leadership.”

Mohammed bin Tahnoun: UAE is proud of its virtuous martyrs

Brigadier Sheikh Mohammed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Director-General of Security and Ports Affairs at Abu Dhabi Police, said: “The UAE is proud of the nation’s righteous martyrs who died in Yemen while in the line of duty defending truth, justice, and the oppressed people.”

He expressed his sincerest condolences to the UAE leadership, its people, and to the families of the brave martyrs who have sacrificed their lives in support of truth and justice. “These soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice and have been rewarded with the ultimate honour of martyrdom,” he said.

“The sons and daughters of the UAE have always shown the finest loyalty and devotion to their leadership and to their homeland, and for this they deserve the highest recognition. Their names will go down in history and will forever be illuminated for their heroism and sacrifice,” he said. “Their stories will be narrated throughout the generations to come, telling of the sacrifices that have been made in support of truth and justice.

He added: “We stand in reverence and with all the respect and appreciation for the martyrs of the UAE, and for the honorable and illuminated mage that has been bestowed upon them. Their legacy will forever remain in our hearts and in the minds of the coming generations; as they have believed in the legitimacy of our cause, they have carried out their duties perfectly. Our heroic martyrs are honourable examples of what it means to have courage, to be champions of truth and justice, and to defend those who are oppressed.”

Gaith Al Zaabi: Giving and sacrifice

Brigadier Ghaith Hassan Al Zaabi, Director-General Traffic Coordination Directorate General, MoI, said: “The UAE martyrs who sacrificed their lives in Yemen have set the ultimate example in giving, sacrifice, and in belonging and loyalty to the homeland. The honour and dignity of nations are preserved through such men who serve with determination. The martyrs of duty are role models for the youth of the UAE, as they represent what it means to answer the nation’s call of duty and to submit what is dear to them for the sake of pride and dignity.”

Al Zaabi added that the country’s martyrs are the pride of the UAE and its people, since they have offered their lives in defense of the dignity of the nation. “The people of the UAE have the will and determination to sacrifice their blood and their souls for the sake of the country.”

“The 45 martyrs have died as heroes of our Armed Forces, as they have laid down their lives in the line of duty,” he said. He noted that the forces had been involved in the Saudi-led Arab coalition of ‘Operation Restoring Hope’ and asked that God reward in the best ways. “God has blessed them with the most honorable end, and has commissioned these heroes to live eternally in the highest standing of heaven.”

Al Harithi: The path of martydom

Brigadier Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, Director-General of Central Operations at Abu Dhabi Police, said: “The blood of our martyrs that has been nurtured by the goodness of the homeland joins those who have preceded them in martyrdom for the UAE, with their names written in light.”

He continued by praying to God to reward the martyrs with the best rewards, as they have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of what is right for Yemen on the battlefield.  “The honour is matchless,” he said as he expressed his pride for the martyrs who died for the sake of truth, and defending what is right. He prayed to God Almighty to grant them with His mercy, and to reward the martyrs with a high position in heaven and to sit with the prophets and saints.

Al Ketbi: A martyr’s sacrifice in defense of the nation and the homeland

Brigadier Obeid Salem Al Ketbi, Director-General of Human Resources at Abu Dhabi Police said: “The valiant soldiers have sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation and the country. I am proud of the contributions that the martyrs have made for the sake of elevating the name of the UAE through their duty and in doing what is right.”

“The UAE will remain as a fortress of truth, and will do what is right – our martyrs and their predecessors are role models for all of us. As the sons and daughters of our nation, it is our duty to stand united and to show the real essence of who we are as Emiratis when faced with adversity. Our resilience, solidarity, and pride will only continue to increase during difficult times.”

He expressed his sincerest condolences to the higher leadership and to the people of the UAE and the families of the martyrs who died in defense of the Arab nation and in defense of humanity as a whole. “The deaths of the martyrs and of those before them were honourable sacrifices made in the defense of the nation, its causes, and its safety and security. Their ultimate sacrifice has increased the will and determination of the UAE and coalition forces in continuing the fight against rogue terrorism and the external ambitions of greed.”

Mohammed Al Zaabi: A source of pride and honour

Brigadier Mohammed Saif Matar Al Zaabi, Head of the Punitive and Correctional Establishments Department at Abu Dhabi Police, expressed his sentiments of pride and honor for those who have laid down their lives to defend their fellow brethren.  He offered his warmest heartfelt condolences to the families of the courageous martyrs who died while answering the call of duty. “The death of 45 martyrs from our Armed Forces is a badge of honor for all of our citizens,” he said. “They are alive and well with their Lord God, receiving provision.” He prayed to God Almighty to reward the martyrs with paradise and to bestow their families with patience and solace.

Al Shamesi: In defense of what is right

Colonel Waleed Al Shamesi, Director of the Federal National Service Department in MoI, said the martyrs of the UAE have set the greatest and most noble examples in bravery and sacrifice in defense of truth and justice. Through their sacrifices they have attained the great honour of martyrdom, which is cherished by every soldier.

“The regiment of the UAE’s righteous martyrs has illuminated the path of truth and justice through their distinguished support for their fellow brethren in Yemen,” he said. “The heroic martyrs are role models for answering the call of duty and have set an example for the youth of the UAE.”