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Obama condoles UAE on fallen soldiers in Yemen battles

Xinhua, September 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) received Saturday condolences from U.S. President Obama after coalition forces suffered their deadliest day in the Yemeni conflict, state news agency WAM reported.

Obama extended "his heartfelt condolences on the martyrdom of scores of Emirati servicemen participating in the Arab Coalition's operation "Restore Hope' in Yemen," said the report.

Obama also expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the leadership, government, people of the UAE, and to the families of the fallen soldiers, the reported added.

On Friday, 22 Emirati soldiers were killed during the operation "Restore Hope" after a missile attack caused a blast at an ammunition store of the 107th Brigade in the eastern Yemeni oil province of Marib.

The attack also killed 10 Saudi soldiers and scores of Yemenis. Friday losses marked the heaviest since the UAE's foundation as an independent state in 1971.

Sheikh Mohamed thanked the president for his "fraternal and noble feelings."

During the phone conversation, Sheikh Mohamed and Obama also reviewed the bilateral ties of cooperation and friendship, and discussed efforts being made by the UAE and the United States to preserve security and stability in the region and to confront challenges that threaten strategic regional security.

The UAE is part of the Saudi-led coalition comprising nine Arab states supporting Yemen's "legitimate" government under President Hadi.

The campaign which was launched on March 25 this year, aims to stop Shiite Houthi rebels from seizing the power in the country, as Saudi Arabia claimed the rebels are backed by Iran. Endit