UAE arrests 45 for filming, misinformation amid Iranian attacks

ISTANBUL

The United Arab Emirates said Friday that it arrested 45 people of various nationalities for filming locations during attacks and spreading misleading information on social media.

Abu Dhabi police said the individuals shared images, videos and inaccurate reports that could "inflame public opinion and spread rumors." Authorities urged the public to rely only on official sources and avoid sharing event locations.

It followed a BBC report that a 60-year-old British man was charged under Dubai’s cyber-crime laws after allegedly filming Iranian missiles above the city. The British Embassy in Dubai warned British nationals not to photograph or post images of attacks, saying violations could lead to fines, imprisonment or deportation.

The UAE said its air forces engaged a new wave of Iranian attacks Friday, including 27 drones and seven ballistic missiles. It brings the total to 1,567 Iranian drones and 285 ballistic missiles, according to the defense ministry.