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Published : 21 Apr 2026, 01:00 AM
The UAE’s State Security Department (SSD) has dismantled an alleged terrorist organisation and arrested its members accused of plotting to undermine national unity and destabilise the country, according to Khaleej Times.
In an official statement cited by Khaleej Times on Monday, authorities said the group had been engaged in covert activities, including planning coordinated sabotage and terrorist operations within the UAE.
Investigators also alleged links between the organisation and Iran’s Wilayat al-Faqih ideological doctrine.
Security officials, as reported by the longest-running English-language daily in the UAE, said the suspects had adopted extremist beliefs that posed a direct threat to internal stability.
The group was allegedly involved in recruitment and indoctrination efforts conducted through secret meetings, in coordination with external actors, to position members in sensitive roles within the country.
Authorities disclosed the identities of 27 individuals and said they were members of the dismantled network.
Surveillance operations reportedly revealed that members had held clandestine meetings both inside and outside the UAE with individuals linked to suspicious and extremist groups.
According to Khaleej Times, investigators also said the suspects attempted to disseminate false information targeting young Emiratis, encourage dissent against state policies, and recruit individuals for foreign interests.
The arrests follow an operation last month in which authorities dismantled another alleged terrorist network reportedly funded and operated by Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iran.
That group, officials said, had been operating under commercial cover while attempting to infiltrate the UAE’s financial system and pursue external destabilisation schemes.
How the Arrests were Carried Out
Khaleej Times reported that security forces conducted coordinated raids, arresting suspects at residences, offices and on the move.
Footage released by authorities showed simultaneous operations across multiple locations.
The video also revealed the recovery of a substantial cash haul, which investigators say forms part of evidence suggesting the group collected and transferred funds through unofficial channels to external entities.
Evidence Recovered
Authorities also seized materials linked to extremist ideology, including books, documents and CDs.
Some items reportedly featured Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including his book To the Youth. Other materials included pro-Hezbollah literature and items marked with slogans such as “Long Live The Resistance”.
Investigators also recovered what appeared to be a crude drone along with electronic components and remote-control devices, alongside photographs of Iranian leaders.
The suspects face charges including forming and managing a secret organisation, pledging loyalty to foreign groups, and engaging in activities deemed harmful to national unity and social stability.
Reaffirming its position, the SSD told Khaleej Times it remains committed to confronting any threats to public safety and urged residents to report suspicious activity through official channels.
The UAE has previously faced missile and drone attacks during regional tensions, which it has described as acts of terrorism and violations of international law, while maintaining that its air defence systems intercepted thousands of incoming threats.
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Photo: SSD
