BEIRUT, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah on Friday rejected accusations by the United Arab Emirates that it was behind a dismantled network accused of security and financial crimes, calling the claims "fabricated" and baseless.
In a statement, the Iran-backed group said it had no presence in the UAE or in any other country "under any cover or commercial or other designation," adding that the allegations were part of politically motivated efforts to damage its reputation.
The UAE said earlier that its security authorities had uncovered and dismantled a network allegedly linked to Hezbollah and backed by Iran, with all members arrested, according to state media. Authorities said the group operated under a commercial front and was involved in money laundering, terrorism financing, and activities posing a threat to national security.
Lebanon's foreign ministry condemned a "terrorist plot" targeting the UAE and denounced Hezbollah's alleged involvement, citing a government decision issued on March 2, banning the group's military and security activities. The ministry expressed Lebanon's "full solidarity" with the UAE, praised Emirati security services, and said Beirut was ready to cooperate in investigations.
Hezbollah criticized Lebanon's foreign ministry for "irresponsible haste" in endorsing accusations from foreign parties and condemning "a main Lebanese component" without verification. It said the ministry should have shown "a minimum level of national responsibility," particularly amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon. ■
