UAE arrests 7 suspects in ‘al-Qaeda cell’

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) say they have arrested a seven-member group linked to al-Qaeda accused of planning attacks inside the Gulf state. Seven suspects of “Arab nationalities” have been accused of recruiting, financing and providing logistical support to al-Qaeda militants. The cell was “plotting acts that would have harmed the security of the country, its citizens and foreign residents,” a statement published by state-run news agency WAM. The group was also involved in “recruiting people” for al-Qaeda and providing jihadist extremists with “money and logistic support.” The seven suspects will be question before being put on trial. Authorities announced in December busting a cell of Saudi and Emirati members plotting "terror" attacks in the two countries and other states. They were described as members of the "deviant group," a term usually used in Saudi Arabia to refer to al-Qaeda-linked Islamists. The UAE is already trying 94 Emiratis, including 13 women, over accusations of plotting to seize power, in the largest trial in the history of the federation of sheikhdoms formed in 1971.