ABU DHABI // "We are all sons of Zayed," Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on Saturday told the grieving family of Tariq Al Shehi, the Emirati officer killed in a bomb blast last week in Bahrain.
“Tariq is one of us. We are all sons of [the late Sheikh] Zayed. Your pain is our pain. We ask Allah the almighty to grant us patience and fortitude,” he said, the state news agency Wam reported.
“We are sad at the loss of one of this nation’s sons, yet very proud of his heroic sacrifices for his country. From Silaa to Shaam, we are one family.
“The UAE has lost a loyal young man who died in the line of duty while carrying the banner of the UAE and its clear message of standing by the brothers and friends in confronting acts of sabotage and terrorism in all its forms.”
Lt Al Shehi was killed on March 3, along with two members of Bahrain's security forces, during Shiite protests in the village of Daih, near Manama. The 41-year-old father of four was buried in Ras Al Khaimah, where he was born and brought up, the following day. Since his death, a mosque in Bahrain has been renamed after him, as has a street in his hometown of Shaam.
“We are continuing that approach, relying on our principles, clear stands and deep belief that security and stability of any GCC country is of similar importance to all of us,” Sheikh Mohammed continued.
“The challenges and risks will never dissuade us from taking our nationalistic duty towards our brothers in maintaining security and stability and confronting chaos and terror mongers.
“We are very proud of our son Tariq and very proud of our leadership,” Al Shehi’s mother said.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
