Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The relatives of two Saudi nationals who were killed in Sunday’s terrorist attacks in the Sri Lankan capital returned home Tuesday evening after identifying the bodies. They said the bodies were expected to be flown to the Kingdom for burial after completing the necessary procedures sometime Wednesday.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), in a statement, confirmed the death of two of its two crewmembers in the explosions in Colombo, which killed at least 310 people, including 31 foreign nationals, and injured hundreds of others.

Director General of Saudia Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser, in an internal memo to the staff, condoled the death of Ahmed Jaafari, a cabin supervisor, and Hani Osman, a steward.

Al-Jasser paid rich tributes to the two saying they were martyred while performing their duty.

The two were initially unaccounted for following the blasts, but on Monday night the airline released a statement confirming their death.

Saudi Ambassador to Sri Lanka Abdul Nasser Al-Harithy had earlier said two Saudia staff members were injured in the blasts. He later confirmed they died at Sinnamon Hotel in Colombo where they were on transit for a rest stop.

Some of the family members, who traveled to Colombo, said the two died while having breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant.

Jasser said Jaafari had served the airline for 15 years and he was a role model for dedication and sincerity. He said Osman joined the airline only about two years ago but he was very enthusiastic and loyal in his work.

“Myself, the entire management team and all of the team members of Saudi Arabia Airlines are with very heavy hearts, filled with deep sorrow as the airline confirms that two of its cabin crew members have passed away in the explosions which took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka,” Al-Jasser said in his statement posted on the airline’s Twitter account.

“These two gentlemen whole-heartedly served their country and Saudia with great pride and loyalty. All of us mourn for Ahmed and Hani, who are our brothers for eternity and our hearts are filled with pain for the indescribable loss that their families are facing.”

Jaafari’s family said they spent the 48 hours after the blasts in the dark waiting for news about him and were hopeful that he would come back alive.

His brother, Mohammed Jaafari, said they first received news that he and his colleague Hani Osman were slightly injured in the attack but they were shocked to hear the news of their death.

He said the body of his brother was expected to arrive in the Kingdom within the next 24 hours.

Jaafari had two sons Abdul Rahim, who is a 17-year-old secondary school student, and Youssef, 13, who is studying in the intermediate school.