UAE says it dismantled terror cell with foreign links PHOTO

UAE State Security authorities said they had dismantled a terrorist cell and arrested its members over alleged involvement in covert activities aimed at undermining national unity and destabilising the country.

Authorities said investigations indicated the group had planned organised “terrorist and sabotage operations” on UAE territory, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Officials said the network was linked to Iran’s “Wilayat Al Faqih” system. The allegations have not been independently verified.

According to the statement, members of the group were found to have adopted extremist ideologies and had conducted recruitment and mobilisation activities through secret meetings. Authorities said these activities formed part of a coordinated plan involving external entities, with the aim of accessing sensitive sites.

The investigation also indicated that members held clandestine meetings both inside and outside the UAE with individuals and organisations suspected of terrorist links, and sought to influence Emirati youth through what authorities described as misleading narratives.

Officials further alleged that the group attempted to incite opposition to the state’s foreign policy and internal measures, and worked to portray the country negatively.

Authorities said the network also collected funds through unofficial channels and transferred them to “suspicious entities” abroad.

The charges include establishing and operating a secret organisation inside the country, pledging allegiance to external entities, and actions aimed at undermining national unity and social stability, according to the statement.

State Security said it remains committed to confronting threats to public safety and urged the public to report suspicious activity through official channels.

Iran did not immediately respond to the allegations.