UAE claims dismantling of alleged Iranian-backed terrorist organization

United Arab Emirates Arrests 27 Individuals Linked to Iranian-Backed Group

The United Arab Emirates has detained 27 individuals allegedly affiliated with an Iran-linked group, according to the country’s State Security Service. The detainees are accused of plotting “systematic terrorist and sabotage acts” and have been charged with various crimes.

According to authorities, the group is linked to Velayat-e Faqih, a doctrine underlying Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The UAE has faced more Iranian strikes than any other country in the region, although most were intercepted.

The names and mugshots of the detained individuals were posted online by the State Security Service. Authorities claim that the group collected funds and transferred them to “suspicious foreign entities” and adopted extremist terrorist ideologies. They are also accused of carrying out covert recruitment and indoctrination operations with “terrorist elements and suspicious organisations”.

The alleged aim of the group was to spread misleading ideas among Emirati youth, recruit them to serve foreign loyalties, and incite against the country’s foreign policy and internal procedures. The UAE has been targeted by Iranian attacks on its civilian infrastructure, including airports, energy infrastructure, and tourist hubs.

In recent months, the UAE has taken steps to counter what it sees as a threat from Iran-backed groups in the region. In addition to the current arrests, at least five individuals were previously detained for their alleged ties to a “terrorist network” linked to Iran and Hezbollah.

Source: Al Jazeera