UAE arrests "terrorist network" linked to Hezbollah, Iran

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UAE arrests “terrorist network” linked to Hezbollah, Iran

March 20, 2026

DUBAI,— United Arab Emirates authorities said Friday they dismantled a “terrorist network” linked to Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iran and arrested its members, the state news agency reported.

The network was accused of money laundering, financing terrorism, and threatening national security, the report said.

UAE officials said the group operated under a fake commercial cover and attempted to infiltrate the national economy while carrying out schemes that could harm financial stability.

Hezbollah and Iran had not commented at the time of reporting.

The announcement came as tensions in the Middle East surged following coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran on February 28, 2026, which marked a major escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.

The strikes killed nearly all of Iran’s top political and military leaders, escalating the conflict.

Since then, Tehran has carried out hundreds of missile and drone attacks across the Gulf, with the UAE among the hardest-hit countries.

According to the reports the strikes targeted airports, hotels, oil facilities, ports, and areas near major urban centers, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Iran-backed Hezbollah joined the conflict on March 2, firing at Israel from Lebanon. Israel responded with airstrikes on Hezbollah targets across Lebanon.

The UAE has a long-standing policy opposing political Islamist groups, officials said, and the dismantled network highlights Tehran’s efforts to operate inside the country during the ongoing regional conflict, the state news agency reported.

On March 16, 2026, the UAE’ attorney general ordered the arrest of 25 foreigners accused of sharing misleading videos online, which authorities said undermined national defense during Iranian attacks.

(With files from Reuters)