Arabic version: الإمارات تعتقل أعضاء من خلية إرهابية مرتبطة بإيران

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the arrest of individuals linked to an Iran-based group accused of plotting systematic terrorist and sabotage acts. The State Security Service released a statement detailing the detentions, which involve members connected to Iran’s Velayat-e Faqih, a doctrine central to the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

According to Al Jazeera, the authorities have publicly shared the names and mugshots of 27 alleged members of this group. They face serious charges including establishing and operating a secret organization, pledging allegiance to foreign entities, and harming national unity and social peace.

The arrests come during the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, which has reportedly targeted neighboring countries hosting US military assets. The UAE has weathered more Iranian strikes than any other country, although most have been intercepted.

The State Security Service claims that the detained individuals were involved in collecting funds for suspicious foreign entities and promoting extremist ideologies. They are also accused of covert recruitment and indoctrination efforts aimed at Emirati youth, intending to incite dissent against the UAE’s policies and portray the nation negatively.

This announcement follows previous actions by the UAE, including the arrest of at least five members of a terrorist network linked to Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The UAE has emphasized the need for accountability from Iran for the damage caused by its attacks in the Gulf region.