May 28, Colombo (LNW): Seven Sri Lankan nationals detained in the United Arab Emirates over alleged links to sensitive online content connected to ongoing Middle East tensions have been deported and returned to Sri Lanka, according to airport sources.
The group arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake late on Tuesday night after being removed from Abu Dhabi following investigations by local security authorities.
The individuals, aged between 23 and 33, are reported to be from several parts of the country, including Ambalangoda, Borella, Bandaragama, Wattala, Polonnaruwa and Marapana. Officials said the men had been under scrutiny over allegations relating to the possession and circulation of images and video footage associated with regional drone and missile attacks.
Authorities in the UAE had also reportedly examined their online activity, including interactions with conflict-related material shared across social media platforms. Security analysts note that Gulf nations have recently intensified digital surveillance measures amid escalating instability in the Middle East and growing concerns surrounding online extremism and misinformation.
Following their arrival in Sri Lanka, the deportees were taken in for questioning by officers attached to the Criminal Investigation Department, the State Intelligence Service and the Police Narcotics Bureau. Investigators are expected to assess whether the individuals had any wider connections or involvement in activities considered a threat to national or regional security.
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