The families of two Emirati pilots who were martyred when their plane crashed while operating in Yemen have lauded the sacrifices they have made in defence of the UAE.

Saada Salem Zayed mother of Major Zayed Ali Al Kaabi received the news of his martyrdom with patience and strong faith. She said she was expecting him and his brother who served with him to call her as they used to call and inquire about her health every day. On the day her son's aircraft went missing she sat apprehensively and waited for his call.

Speaking to Khaleej Times Saada Salem said she considered her son's martyrdom as a sacrifice for the UAE one that had encouraged her to push his brother to complete his national duty.

She reiterated that she is ready to send all her children to defend the country despite the fact that their national service has cost her dearly.

"I remain patient like other mothers whose sons were killed as martyrs who strongly believe the souls of their departed children will be resting in the highest paradise" she said. "The martyred (Zayed Ali) used to stay with me all the time and looked after me as his father died when he was too young."

Despite being married Zayed Ali refused to live away from his mother in case her health deteriorated with age and so he made sure to buy a house close to her.

"I don't cry for the departure of my son but I cry passionately longing for him even though his departure is painful and excruciating" she said. "When the objective is noble and creditable for the sake of holding aloft the flags of freedom and justice it will be of less intensity on the soul."

The martyr's brother Khamees Al Kaabi said his brother kept in touch with his family and managed to call them even during busy periods.

"He was married and is survived by his 11-year-old son Khalifa as well as Sultan Mohammed and three-year-old Abdullah his youngest" he said adding that Zayed Ali was very fond of his children and was popular among his friends. "My other brother informed me yesterday that Zayed's warplane had gone missing and asked me to keep my patience and offer supplications. He advised me to move to my mother to re-assure her and inform her of his sad demise as rumours would have affected her health badly. When I saw my mother I found her sitting and waiting for my brother phone call. May Allah have mercy on the departed. We all sacrifice our lives for our country."

Hamdan Obaid Al Hammudi the brother of the second martyr 25-year old First Lieutenant Mohammed Obaid Al Hammudi said that they received the news of his martyrdom calmly and called it a destiny that has set a wonderful example of sacrifice which history will remember.

"My brother wished to be a combat pilot and then his dream came true" he added.

According to Hamdan Mohammed graduated from the military academy five years ago where he was second in his class.

"He was in permanent contact with his family. He never felt any fear and never retreated. He was always fully determined to go ahead. His last call to us was a couple of days ago. He willed me to look after our parents and fulfill and satisfy their demands" he added.

Sultan Al Hammudi the martyr's paternal uncle said that he thought of his nephew as a son.

"He was very happy when he came to know that he would join his brothers in Yemen" he said. "He joined the soldiers of glory and pride who drew up a portrait with their pure blood."