Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said they had dismantled a “terrorist network” funded and operated by Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iran, and arrested those involved.

The operation was announced by the state news agency on Friday.

Links To Terror Financing

Officials said the network was involved in money laundering, financing terrorism and activities that threatened national security.

There was no immediate response from Hezbollah or Iran following the announcement.

Operating Under Cover

According to authorities, the group had been operating inside the country under the cover of a fake commercial business.

They allegedly tried to enter the national economy while planning activities that could affect financial stability.

Rising Regional Tensions

The development comes amid rising tensions in the region following the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Iran has carried out large-scale missile and drone attacks across the Gulf, with the UAE among the countries heavily targeted.

Wider Conflict Impact

Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, entered the conflict in early March by launching attacks from Lebanon towards Israel.

This triggered Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets, adding to instability across the region.

(with inputs from Reuters)