Two Emirati pilots die in Yemen crash

The National -- Two Emirati pilots died when their aircraft crashed in Yemen, the UAE Armed Forces said on Tuesday evening.

Major Pilot Ali Al Mesmari and First Lieutenant Pilot Badr Al Marasheda were killed as a result of the accident, which was caused by a technical fault, the General Command said.

In a tweet, the command said they were serving in Operation Restoring Hope, the Saudi-led coalition mission to push back Iran-backed Houthi militia and restore the internationally recognised government.

The General Command announced the martyrdom of both pilots.

It offered its condolences to the families of the martyrs, praying to Almighty Allah to rest their souls in eternal peace and bestow His mercy upon them.

Last month, pilot Captain Khalid Mohammad Al Shehi died when his aircraft crashed due to a technical failure.

Al Shehi was 31 years old and has three children – Moza, 4, Zayed, 3, and Salama, nine months.

In August, four Emirati servicemen were killed when the helicopter they were in crashed in Yemen.

A further three, including Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the grandson of the country's founding father, who had served with the elite Presidential Guard, were injured.

The other two soldiers were Rashid Al Balushi and Rashid Al Dhuhoori.

The funerals of the fallen were attended by many hundreds, while prayers were said for the injured for a swift recovery.