Mohammed Al Hmoudi was Dibba Al Hosn's first martyr and his community honoured his sacrifice.
SHARJAH // Hundreds of well-wishers and servicemen from northern Sharjah took part in the funeral of Mohammed Al Hmoudi, the first martyr from Dibba Al Hosn.
Mohammed, 25, and Zayed Al Kaabi, 37, from Fujairah, died when their Mirage fighter jet crashed as the result of a “technical fault” on Monday as they took part in Operation Restoring Hope, the Saudi-led coalition mission in Yemen.
Strong winds and rain did not deter people from attending the funeral prayers at Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Mosque in Dibba Al Hosn, with the prayer led by family members and Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
Mohammed’s father and brothers could not contain their tears as the serviceman was laid to rest.
“Mohammed told us he would bring a Medal of Honour to the family and he did,” said his father, Obeid Al Hmoudi, the deputy director of Dibba Al Fujairah Hospital.
“He called his mother every day, and the last call was just before he died.
“My son was single and he was thinking of getting engaged or married after he finished his duty in Yemen.
“He was a brave man, disciplined and loved serving his country. He was good with his brothers, mother and his grandparents.”
Mohammed’s elder brother, Hamdan, 26, said that the serviceman was a devout Muslim. “He was a good brother, loving and a religious person. The last time he called us, he asked about our grandparents and to send his regards to them,” he said.
The brother said that his mother had felt something was not right when the family got together before they knew of Mohammed’s death.
“She kept asking us, ‘did something happen to Mohammed?’ before we told her the news of his martyrdom,” Hamdan said.
Mohammed, one of seven brothers, was a pilot for six years.
“My mother took the news in good spirits; she is a devout person and her son’s martyrdom is God’s will. She felt sad and proud at the same time,” Hamdan said.
Cousin Sami Al Hmoudi named his newborn Mohammed in memory of the airman. “I had a newborn just before the martyrdom of Mohammed, so I named him the same, ” he said.
Ali Shahin, who is in the Air Force, came from Fujairah to pay his respects to the family.
“He was known as a brave and good man. His sacrifice to his country will never be forgotten,” he said.
Faisal Ai Thuhori said that the serviceman had brought honour to his town. “Mohammed is the first in our town to sacrifice his life protecting our country. He brought us honour and pride,” said the 33-year-old, who is also in the Armed Forces.
Suliman Mohammed Ali, 65, joined the family and other residents in laying Al Hmoudi to rest at Shiqiriya Cemetery. He said: “It is our duty to stand with the family of the brave soldier, and pay our condolences to his father and brothers.”
tzriqat@thenational.ae
