UMS releases mini-documentary on General Abdel Moneim Riyadh whose death date became Egyptian Martyr Day

CAIRO – 10 March 2021: The United Media Services (UMS) corporation released Tuesday a mini-documentary showcasing the biography of General Abdel Moneim Riyadh whose death anniversary marks Egyptian Martyr Day on March 9.

The general who was made martyr on March 9, 1969 had said, "I'm equal to any soldier on the frontlines so I have to be among them in every moment of such heroic time."

His words came during the War of Attrition launched in the same year of his death against the Israeli forces that occupied Sinai on June 5, 1967.

The national hero was born on October 22, 1919 in Gharbia's Tanta, and graduated from the military academy on February 21, 1938 ranking second on top of his class.

The general took part in World War II as Egypt was still occupied by Great Britain, the 1948 War in Palestine, and the war ensued from the1956 Tripartite Aggression by Great Britain, France, and Israel.  

In May 1952, Riyadh was appointed director of the Anti-Aircraft Missile School, and two years later, he became commander of the Anti-Aircraft Missile Branch.

The late commander lectured in top Soviet military schools, and was dubbed by the Russians "the Golden General."

The general was appointed chief of staff of the United Arab Command with Syria on March 10, 1958, but when the 1967 war occurred, he became the chief of staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces. The commander rebuilt the Egyptian army in record time excelling in an outstanding way.

On March 8, 1969, the Egyptian air defense had struck vital Israeli targets by hitting concentrations at Bar Lev Line.

The general was made martyr the following day when he was present in a site on the frontlines dubbed the 6th Zone to check up on military operation in spite of warnings.

After his arrival by 51 minutes, Israeli missiles landed in the area, and missile engagements occurred between both sides incurring his injury and death.

Late President Gamal Abddel Nasser honored the martyr commander by promoting him to General as his rank was Lieutenant General when he passed away, and awarding his name the Military Honor Star Medal.

Further, the Egyptian Armed Forces honored Riyadh by designating his death date the Egyptian Martyr Day.

Egypt recovered 15 kilometers of Sinai in the 6th of October 1973 War, and restored the rest through the 1979 Peace Treaty, except for Taba in Central Sinai as Egypt regained sovereignty over which through international arbitration.