Group of extremists on trial for planning attacks in the UAE

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Group of extremists on trial for planning attacks in the UAE A group of extremists planned attacks on shopping malls and other public places on New Year’s Eve last year, a prosecutor has told the Federal Supreme Court. Details of the plot emerged during the trial of 41 men accused of belonging to the Shabab Al Manara organisation. They are accused of plotting to take over the UAE by committing terrorist acts. During a hearing in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, prosecutors showed video testimony from some of the suspects, which was played to Judge Mohammed Al Jarrah Al Tenaiji. In the video, shot in the Al Rifaa desert in Ras Al Khaimah, one man, initialled MAR, said Al Manara had set up a winter camp to “give lectures, play sports and train on weapons by shooting cups”. Another, AAH, said the group’s objective was to commit violent acts that would allow them to take over the government. He testified: “The group shrouds itself under false pretenses claiming the spread Islamic teachings when their real goal is a call for arms and jihad.” He added: “The weapons were to be used in the many, many planned attacks, but not all members agreed.” The court was also told another defendant, AD, smuggled 8mm guns and three Kalashnikov rifles into the country. The prosecutor told the court about one leader, KAK. He said KAK “used Al Manara Mosque… to spread his ideals and established the group in order to achieve authority”. He continued: “He planned on wrecking malls, centres and towers, one of which was planned to take place on New Year’s Eve of 2014, but they were arrested.” The group bought three remote bombs that can be activated from a distance for Dhs20,000. Investigations also suggested the group contracted a foreign national to smuggle three other weapons and five boxes of ammunition for Dhs30,000. The prosecutor said the weapons and ammo were found buried in the Al Warqa area of Dubai and the men trained at two shooting clubs in Dubai and Al Ain. The court will hear from the men’s lawyers on December 20. ismail@7days.ae Read the original story at: Group of extremists on trial for planning attacks in the UAE