SHARJAH // A UAE soldier who died in the line of duty in Yemen leaves behind a 5-month-old boy.
First Sergeant Zakaria Sulaiman Obaid Al Zaabi was killed during Operation Restoring Hope, the Saudi-led offensive to restore the internationaly recognised government of Yemen.
The serviceman was one of 15 brothers and sisters, and leaves behind his young son Obaid, named after his late father. He lived in his hometown of Kalba, in the eastern region of Sharjah.
The death was announced on Thursday by the General Command of the Armed Forces but no other details were released.
“The news came as a shock to us. His brothers and sisters are in tears and our mother took the news hard as well,” said Abdulmaid Al Zaabi, the serviceman’s brother.
His family last saw the serviceman two weeks ago.
“He was in constant contact with our mother. He always called her up and checked on her,” said the 40-year-old brother, who added that his younger sibling was well loved in the family.
“Everybody loved him. We all favoured him because he was down to earth and lightened the mood,” he said.
“He loved serving his country, and loved the fact that he was in the army. His death broke our hearts but our solace is that he died serving his country, and is a martyr in heaven.
“His martyrdom will always be remembered in our family, and our town, for he brought us honour and pride. May he rest in peace.”
A statement on state news agency Wam read: “The General Command of the Armed Forces extended its condolences to the relatives of Zakaria Sulaiman Obaid Al Zaabi, praying to Allah to rest his soul in eternal peace and bestow patience and solace on his family and relatives.”
The UAE is a leading member of the coalition in a nearly two-year campaign against the Iran-allied Houthi group in Yemen.
Upon the arrival of his body from Yemen, the serviceman will be laid to rest in Kalba.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
