In communities across the seven emirates, fathers and brothers, mothers and sisters gathered at gravesides to bury sons who were martyred in Yemen, proudly serving in the ranks of the armed forces of the UAE. These 45 died fighting for the freedom of the Yemeni people, as part of a wider coalition of Arab states who are acting with the approval of a resolution from the United Nations Security Council.

Yes, the deaths of these brave officers and men represent a loss to this nation. But the sacrifice of these brave soldiers will never be forgotten by this nation either. And the best way to ensure that the loss of these men does not go in vain is to ensure that the UAE accomplishes its mission in Yemen.

Let us be clear — this military intervention is just. It is not a mission that was embarked upon without serious thought and serious deliberation. And that the united force of ten Arab nations has the backing of the UN in its intervention underlines that these soldiers died on a heroic campaign in support of the Yemeni people.

Make no mistake — the goals of this mission are clear: Free Yemen from Al Houthi militias and their allies who have usurped the legitimate government of Yemen. These militias seized Yemen with the help of arms and advisers supplied by Iran and they are mistaken in their belief that their illegal and illegitimate rule will be indemnified by Tehran.

In the past, Al Houthis were offered peace talks. They refused. They were offered to be part of a humanitarian ceasefire. They refused. After the events of this past weekend, and in the names of those who have been martyred, there will be no let-up in the military campaign to free Yemen of the tyranny of these militias.

Yes, there is a difficult road ahead. In Marib, where these 45 were martyred, there is still much work to be done. The battle for Sana’a has yet to begin in earnest. And when it does, there will be no let-up until Yemen is free, safe and stable. We owe that much to our 45 heroes.

Gulf News