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The UAE State Security Apparatus on Friday announced the dismantling of a “terrorist network” funded and operated by Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iran, and the arrest of its members.
The network had been operating in the UAE using a fake commercial cover and had tried to infiltrate the national economy and conduct “external schemes” against the country’s financial stability, state news agency Wam reported.
Wam published a photograph of several men as the arrests were announced, but did not provide details of their identities.
The SSA explained that the network operated according to a “pre-established strategic plan in co-ordination with external parties linked to Hezbollah and Iran, in violation of economic and legal regulations, to launder money, finance terrorism and threaten national security", Wam reported.
The SSA warned that no external interference threatening the country’s security or stability would be tolerated.
Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry condemned the “terrorist plot” targeting the UAE, citing involvement by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
The ministry recalled the Lebanese government’s decision earlier this month to prohibit Hezbollah’s military and security activities, according to a statement by Lebanon's National News Agency.
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants affirmed Lebanon’s full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the country’s longstanding support for Lebanon during times of hardship.
It also praised the vigilance of the UAE’s security agencies and expressed Lebanon’s full readiness to co-operate in the investigations.
