JEDDAH: Thirty-three-year old Cpl. Abdullah Ahmad Abdullah Al-Awad Asiri never imagined he would miss the opportunity to accompany his mother to perform Haj this year, after having registered himself with a Haj operator.

Abdullah’s plans would never come to light because he was among those who were martyred in the suicide bombing in the Special Emergency Forces Mosque in Asir on Thursday.

Fayea Asiri, brother of the martyr, said the entire family has always been proud of their brother. “We are consoled by the fact that he was martyred in an act of worship and while defending his religion and his country,” he said.

“Our condolences go to our leadership and our homeland, and we continue to stand united under this wise leadership as it spares no effort in defeating these terrorists,” he said.

Fayea said his brother, Abdullah, had performed the pilgrimage more than nine times, thanks to his work in the Special Emergency Forces serving pilgrims. He wanted to perform Haj with his mother this year.

Umm Leen, Abdullah’s wife, says her husband was feeling happy on Wednesday as he was fasting for the last six days of Shawwal. Little did he know that it would also be the last day of his life.