The United Arab Emirates announced on Monday that its security authorities had dismantled a suspected network linked to Iran, accused of planning activities aimed at destabilising the country.
According to the State Security Service, the 27-member group was engaged in covert operations designed to undermine national unity and disrupt internal stability. The findings, reported by the official Emirates News Agency, indicate that the group was preparing sabotage missions while promoting extremist ideologies.
Investigators said the network maintained connections to Iran’s Wilayat al-Faqih doctrine and had adopted views considered a threat to domestic security. Authorities alleged that members held clandestine meetings, both within the UAE and abroad, coordinating with external actors in an effort to access sensitive locations.
Officials further stated that the group sought to influence and recruit young people by spreading misleading narratives aligned with foreign interests. Funding activities were also uncovered, with money reportedly raised through informal channels and transferred to entities overseas deemed suspicious.
Charges brought against those detained include forming and operating a secret organisation, pledging allegiance to foreign groups, and attempting to weaken social cohesion.
The security agency reaffirmed its commitment to countering threats to public safety, urging residents to report suspicious behaviour through official channels.
The development comes amid heightened regional tensions following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, after military action by the United States and Israel earlier this year. Although a temporary ceasefire mediated by Pakistan took effect on April 8, diplomatic efforts to ease tensions remain ongoing after recent talks ended without agreement.
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