Counter-terrorism authorities are probing three distinct arson incidents in London that have targeted both Iranian dissidents and Jewish organizations, raising concerns that the Iranian government may be involved.
The most recent incident occurred around 8:30 PM on Wednesday, when an incendiary device was thrown into a parking area at the offices of Iran International, a Persian-language news outlet critical of the Tehran regime.
The Metropolitan Police reported that a „lit container“ was hurled into the parking lot of the media outlet located in Wembley, although the fire was quickly extinguished. Following a police chase that involved an armed response unit, a 16-year-old boy along with two men, aged 19 and 21, were apprehended on suspicion of arson endangering life.
This incident followed an attempted firebombing at Finchley Reform Synagogue earlier that same day, as well as a previous arson attack last month on four ambulances operated by a Jewish charity in Golders Green.
A 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man are currently in custody regarding the synagogue incident.
On Thursday, Scotland Yard announced the arrest of two 18-year-olds at separate locations in East London as part of the investigation into the ambulance attack. One was detained on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, while the other was arrested for conspiracy to commit arson with similar intent. Three men have already been charged in connection with that attack, and another individual remains on bail.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that all three incidents are under the jurisdiction of London’s counter-terrorism unit. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes stated that while these are being treated as separate events, it is premature to speculate on the underlying motives.
Authorities suspect that some of the individuals involved in these attacks may have criminal backgrounds. Counter-terrorism specialists have previously indicated that foreign governments sometimes employ criminal proxies to execute violent acts within the UK.
“For those who believe they can earn quick money by committing crimes for others, we will demonstrate that they are mistaken,” Jukes warned. “They will face repercussions for their actions.”
He further noted, “I will not comment specifically on these ongoing investigations, but to those who think they can profit easily, the individuals who have hired them will abandon them when the heat is on, and they will be left to face justice alone.”
Jukes referenced the case of Dylan Earl, who is currently serving a 17-year sentence for orchestrating a Russian-directed arson attack in London. “You can look at other cases driven by different actors, such as Dylan Earl, who is now serving a lengthy prison term due to his failure to recognize the risks involved in his actions,” he stated.
When questioned about the possibility of Iranian involvement in hiring proxies for these attacks, Jukes responded, “We cannot and will not draw definitive conclusions about these ongoing cases. However, it is an important aspect of the current global landscape.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, who oversees national counter-terrorism policing, was asked why the three incidents had not been classified as terrorist acts. She explained, “We are still in the early phases of these investigations and are keeping an open mind. We will evaluate all potential offenses as we consider charges or further inquiries into the individuals involved.”
“At this point, they have not been designated as terrorist incidents, but they are being led by counter-terrorism policing in London, allowing us to utilize all our specialized resources for these investigations,” Evans added.
The militant group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia has claimed responsibility for the ambulance attack and has suggested involvement in the recent synagogue attack, as well as other incidents across Europe.
Evans acknowledged, “We are certainly aware of that group. Naturally, it is one of many lines of inquiry we are pursuing.” She also noted that approximately 20% of counter-terrorism policing efforts are currently directed at “hostile state activity.”
In a statement regarding the attack on its office, the editorial board of Iran International remarked, “At this time, the motives and intentions of those involved remain unclear, and we will refrain from speculation while investigations are ongoing. However, this was a serious incident that coincides with an increase in threats and intimidation directed at Iran International and its journalists.”
“In recent months, particularly following the military operations in Iran, there has been a notable rise in harassment aimed at the families of Iran International journalists within Iran. These actions are part of a broader effort to restrict the free flow of information and deny the Iranian populace access to independent news,” the statement concluded.
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