(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) In an editorial published this morning, the English-language daily newspaper Khaleej Times reacted to yesterday's announcement by the UAE government that it has referred members of a terrorist group - who were operating inside the state - to the Federal Supreme Court to face justice.
The Dubai-based newspaper said, "Smart surveillance and intelligence gathering have helped the UAE bust another terror group going by the name of Shabab Al Manarah, or The Minaret Youths. The UAE's robust crackdown on terrorism is an attempt to stop militant groups like Daesh and the Muslim Brotherhood in their tracks."
But, the paper said, it is disturbing that more young people are being drawn to the militant ideology which breeds hate among people. "The Brotherhood has gone underground following tough measures against it by Gulf states and Egypt against its members, but violent avatars like Daesh pose a real and present danger to countries and societies in the region," it said.
On Monday, the UAE judicial authorities said 41 members of the Shabab Al Manarah militant movement would be tried for their alleged plots against the state. Firearms and explosives were recovered during raids on members of the group, and investigators said they were in touch with a bigger terror group, without naming Daesh. The GCC states have ramped up security across the region after recent attacks on Kuwait and Saudi Arabia mosques. Last month in the UAE, a woman with links to terrorists was executed for her stabbing an American expat to death at a mall in Abu Dhabi last year.
The editorial went on to say that "rapid action and swift prosecution of people with links to terrorists have ensured the country remains safe from terrorism. Violent ideology can easily go viral on the internet and social media, but security agencies are keeping a close watch on plots online, which could lead them to the perpetrators."
"It is, therefore, important to keep the guard up against suspicious activity online," said the editorial, before adding that "the UAE has banned 84 terror militant groups and anyone with links to these groups will face jail terms and fines. Despite these measures, youth remain prime targets of terror recruiters as they can be easily indoctrinated. Disgruntled young men and women, who feel their voices do not matter could stray into a life of crime and terror."
In conclusion the paper advised that "families and individuals must watch out for early terror warning signs in youth. They must not hesitate to raise red flags and alert security agencies in this fight against violent extremists."
"Intelligence, like charity, begins at home - which could lead to a safer country," it said.
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