Muath Al Kassasbeh Jordan
See How UAE Royals Are Honoring 1 Jordanian Martyr
Muath Al Kassasbeh was a fighter pilot in the Royal Jordanian Airforce. In 2014, his jet crashed in Raqqa, Syria, and he was ultimately killed by ISIL.
His death caused widespread outrage in Jordan, with people demanding that the government get revenge, and King Abdullah II even cut short a visit to the United States to return home to Jordan.
At the time, Mamdouh al-Ameri, a Jordanian military spokesman, said, "while the military forces mourn the martyr, they emphasize his blood will not be shed in vain. The revenge will be as big as the calamity that has hit Jordan."
Now, years after the attack, UAE royals are honoring the fallen pilot in Dubai, recognizing his bravery and paying tribute to his memory.
Princess Haya Tweeted photos of the meeting, during which she was joined by Sheikh Mo, their daughter Sheikha Jalila, and their six-year-old son, Sheikh Zayed. The family met the mother, sister, and nieces and nephews of Muath Al Kassasbeh.
"We were honoured to welcome today the mother of our Jordanian Martyr, Muath Al Kassasbeh, & his sister & her children here in Dubai," she wrote in a Tweet. "We will never forget how heroic Jordanian Airforce Pilot Muath gave his life for his nation. His mother's faith & strength are an inspiration."
We were honoured to welcome today the mother of our Jordanian Martyr, Muath Al Kassasbeh, & his sister & her children here in Dubai. We will never forget how heroic Jordanian Airforce Pilot Muath gave his life for his nation. His mother's faith & strength are an inspiration. pic.twitter.com/zd3QR3km60
— HRH Princess Haya (@hrhprincesshaya) January 13, 2018
It's no surprise that Princess Haya met with Muath's family-- the royal has long been a champion for women and children, and she recently opened a center for children with special needs.