The United Arab Emirates State Security announced it has dismantled what it described as a terrorist cell linked to Iran and arrested several suspects accused of plotting to destabilize the country and undermine internal security.
Authorities said the group was involved in covert activities aimed at targeting national unity and planning “systematic terrorist and sabotage operations” in the UAE, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Investigations revealed that the cell was ideologically aligned with Iran’s “Wilayat al-Faqih” doctrine and had adopted extremist ideas posing a threat to domestic security. Officials said members conducted recruitment and indoctrination efforts through secret meetings, allegedly coordinated with external actors to gain access to sensitive sites.
State Security said the suspects also held meetings in and outside the country with what it described as terrorist elements and suspicious organizations. The group is accused of attempting to influence Emirati youth, recruit them for foreign loyalties, and spread narratives critical of state policies.
Authorities added that members collected funds through unofficial channels and transferred them abroad to entities deemed suspicious, raising concerns about financing networks tied to external groups.
Charges against the suspects include forming and managing a clandestine organization, pledging allegiance to foreign entities, and actions deemed harmful to national unity and social stability.
The agency stressed it would continue to act decisively against threats to public security, urging citizens and residents to report suspicious activities, according to official channels.
The operation comes roughly a month after UAE authorities announced the dismantling of another network allegedly linked to Hezbollah and Iran. That earlier case involved suspects operating under commercial cover, accused of attempting to infiltrate the national economy and engage in money laundering and terror financing.
Regional security concerns have intensified in recent years amid tensions with Iran. Gulf states including Bahrain and Kuwait have reported similar cases involving arrests of individuals allegedly linked to Iran-backed groups.
Bahraini authorities recently said they detained three individuals accused of forming a cell tied to Hezbollah, alleging they coordinated with operatives abroad, received weapons training in Lebanon, and transferred funds under charitable cover.
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry also said last month it had foiled a planned attack targeting vital facilities, arresting 10 suspects it described as linked to Hezbollah. Officials said the group had coordinated with external actors and received training, including on weapons use and drone operations.
Analysts say the cases highlight the growing reliance on intelligence operations and regional coordination to counter transnational security threats, as Gulf states step up efforts to prevent infiltration and protect internal stability.
