Abu Dhabi Police Arrest Over 100 Individuals for Spreading Misinformation During West Asia Conflict

Abu Dhabi Police announced on Friday that they have arrested more than 100 individuals for allegedly capturing and posting false information during the West Asia conflict.

The arrests come as Gulf nations tighten restrictions on footage and posts related to the Iranian attacks that followed the conflict initiated after the Islamic Republic was attacked by the United States and Israel.

"Abu Dhabi Police announced the arrest of 109 individuals from various countries who filmed videos of Iranian attack sites and events and spread false information through social media," the Abu Dhabi Police stated in a statement released on X.

"Such actions can incite public opinion and spread rumors among community members," the statement read.

The UAE Attorney General has so far ordered the arrest of 35 people on charges of publishing false information, filming videos of conflict-related events or publishing footage, or glorifying the 'hostile state and its political and military leadership.'

Similar measures have been adopted across the Gulf as Iran continues to attack US assets as well as civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, airports, and residential areas.

In Qatar, authorities have arrested more than 300 people for sharing 'misleading information' and images during the war.

Bahrain and Kuwait have also taken similar steps. The Gulf region has been affected by the Iranian attacks in response to the US-Israel military campaign.