The UAE’s State Security dismantled a terrorist organisation and arrested its members for an alleged plot to damage national unity and destabilise the country. The State Security Department on Monday disclosed the identities of 27 individuals and released their photographs.

In an official statement, authorities said the group members were involved in covert activities, including plans to carry out coordinated terrorist and sabotage operations within the UAE. Investigations also revealed alleged links between the organisation and Iran’s Wilayat al-Faqih doctrine. Popularised by Ayatollah Khomeini, Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist) is a key Shi’a political doctrine. It forms the basis of Iran’s constitution, establishing a “Supreme Leader” to manage state affairs and protect Islamic law.

Authorities reported that surveillance and further investigations showed the suspects held clandestine meetings inside and outside the country with people linked to terrorist or suspicious groups. They are also accused of adopting extremist ideologies that threaten the UAE’s internal security, spreading false information among young Emiratis, recruiting them for foreign interests, and encouraging dissent against the country’s policies.

Below are the 27 individuals identified by the authorities and accused of attempting to place members in sensitive positions, including through covert recruitment and indoctrination activities coordinated with external entities.

Below are the 27 individuals identified by the authorities and accused of attempting to place members in sensitive positions, including through covert recruitment and indoctrination activities coordinated with external entities.

The suspects face charges of creating and running a secret group in the country, pledging loyalty to foreign groups, and taking actions seen as harmful to national unity and social stability.

Iran targeting UAE

The UAE has endured a large number of missile and drone attacks originating from Iran during the conflict before US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire on April 8. During the conflict, the UAE has largely avoided the extensive damage and casualties seen elsewhere in the region. This is due to its strong air defence system, which intercepted more than 2,500 incoming aerial threats.

The UAE described the strikes on its civilian infrastructure and energy sector as a terrorist act and a blatant violation of international law. The Emirates also reaffirmed its right to defend its territory. The attacks by Iran were termed as retaliation for strikes carried out by the US and Israel on February 28.

The State Security Department reaffirmed its firm commitment to confronting any threats to public security, calling on citizens and residents to report suspicious activities through official channels to further strengthen security and stability.

READ MORE: US-Iran Ceasefire: International Flights Resume Operations To Qatar

Source Khaleej Times