ABU DHABI // Seven men have been arrested in the UAE for allegedly being part of a terrorist cell linked to Al Qaeda, the state news agency Wam reported yesterday.
Security authorities said the group of Arab men was planning to carry out acts that undermined national security and the safety of citizens and residents of the UAE.
They said the cell was recruiting members and promoting Al Qaeda’s agenda, while providing the global terrorist organisation with funds and logistical support.
Experts say the unrest in the region has created new breeding grounds for militant youths and expect more such arrests across the region.
But UAE University political science professor Dr Abdel Khaleq Abdullah said: “Today’s Al Qaeda is weak, past its golden age and is infiltrated and unstructured.”
Dr Abdullah and Dr Karasik commended UAE security forces.
The cell’s arrest is the fifth national security threat uncovered in the past year.
In December last year, UAE and Saudi security forces arrested another alleged cell accused of plotting attacks. Those arrested were of both nationalities.
The seven Arabs will be tried after investigations are concluded.
[ amustafa@thenational.ae ]
