The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems intercepted four ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran, while its State Security Department dismantled a network linked to Hezbollah and Iran.
The Ministry of Defence reported that since February 28, when Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran, UAE air defence systems have intercepted 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,740 drones targeting the country.
The dismantled network, allegedly funded and directed by Hezbollah and Iran, had operated under the cover of a fictitious commercial front and sought to infiltrate the UAE economy, posing risks to financial stability. Members of the network have been arrested. Hezbollah rejected the claims, calling them "fabricated" and baseless.
The escalating regional tensions have drawn condemnation from other countries. Egypt denounced what it called "terrorist schemes" targeting Gulf states, including Kuwait and the UAE. Meanwhile, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the conflict, stressing the need for diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
US sanctions Hezbollah financial network
In a parallel move, the United States Department of the Treasury targeted a $100 million global financial network supporting Hezbollah. Under Executive Order 13224, 16 individuals and entities linked to financier Alaa Hassan Hamieh were sanctioned for laundering money and diverting funds for Hezbollah's operations.
The network spanned Lebanon, Syria, Poland, Slovenia, Qatar, and Canada, and allegedly diverted funds from Lebanese reconstruction projects to support Hezbollah's militant and social programs. Key foreign-based operatives named include Syrian national Bahaa Addin HashemHezbollah operative"], Lebanon-based ξentityξ["people","Mohamad Jamil Salami","Hezbollah operative"], and Qatar-based Raoof Fadel. Companies operating under the "Seven Seas" and "Calllync" brands were also sanctioned.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said: "Iran is the head of the snake when it comes to global terrorism, and its proxies, such as Hezbollah, carry out Tehran's mission to sow chaos and destruction beyond its borders." The action blocks all property and interests of the designated individuals and entities within US jurisdiction and prohibits US persons from transacting with them.
(With inputs from IANS)
