Sameer Al-Thebaiti Okaz/Saudi Gazette MINA — “It is our duty to care for their sons and families.” With these words, Brig. Sulaiman Al-Malik launched the Haj campaign for the families of soldiers who were killed three years ago fighting the Houthi rebels who infiltrated the southern borders of the Kingdom and killed a border guard. The incident escalated into a three-month war between the Yemeni rebels and the Saudi troops who succeeded in suppressing the intruders. The Saudi forces also had a number of casualties in the fighting. Okaz/Saudi Gazette visited the camp of the families at Majar Al-Kabsh, in Mina, which is equipped with the best facilities for their comfort, and spoke to some of them. Saad Al-Shahrani, the father of Mubarak the Martyr, said he came from Khamis Mushayt with his brother for Haj. “Although losing a son is catastrophic, but dying for the country as a martyr alleviates our sadness, and we are thankful to King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Salman for their care of the families.” Al-Haj Mohammad, the eldest son of Mar'ei Al-Asmari, came to Haj with his mother and sister. He said his father was killed on the first day of Muharram three years ago, and that he is following his father's steps and will join the armed forces. Martyr Mishal Al-Otaibi's son said his father was an example of loyalty and love to his country. He beseeched God to unite them in paradise. Brig. Dr. Sulaiman Al-Malik, director for pensioners' affairs in the armed forces and supervisor for caring the martyrs' families, said 196 people were hosted to perform Haj this year. They included the martyrs' parents, sons, wives and brothers, with a maximum of five members per family. He said services provided to the martyrs' families include promoting the martyr, granting him the maximum retirement benefits, a SR3,000 monthly payment to the parents and wives, a royal gift of SR1 million, housing allowance for five years, payment of outstanding debts and a land grant. In addition, the martyrs' family members will have priority in jobs, transfers, acceptance in colleges and scholarships.
