Counter-Terror Police Investigate Iranian Proxies in London Jewish Site Arson Attacks
Counter-terror police in London are actively investigating whether a recent spate of arson attacks against Jewish sites across the capital have been orchestrated by Iranian proxies. The Metropolitan Police's deputy assistant commissioner, Vicki Evans, has confirmed that premises associated with individuals opposing the Iranian regime have also been targeted in these incidents.
Most of these attacks have been claimed online by the group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, also known as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right. This has raised significant concerns about foreign influence and terrorism on British soil. Here is a detailed timeline of the attacks that have occurred over the past month, highlighting the escalating threat to the Jewish community and related entities.
Timeline of Recent Arson Attacks in London
23 March: In the early hours, four Jewish community ambulances were torched in Golders Green, located in north-west London. The vehicles belonged to Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service operating in the area. Investigators have been probing claims that Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia was behind this attack. A video posted on Telegram featured a map of the location where the ambulances were kept and footage of them engulfed in flames, indicating a premeditated act.
15 April: Attempted arson attacks were carried out in the early hours at Finchley Reform Synagogue and later at around 8.30pm outside the offices of a Persian media company, both situated in north-west London. At the synagogue on Fallow Court Avenue in Finchley, bottles, one suspected to contain petrol, were placed near the building. Two individuals wearing dark clothing and balaclavas were seen approaching but fled without igniting the bottles, causing no damage or injuries. Hours later, an ignited container was thrown towards Volant Media, the parent company of Persian news channel Iran International, landing in a car park where the fire extinguished immediately. The suspects left in a black four-wheel-drive vehicle, with no injuries reported.
18 April: In the morning, items were discovered near the Israeli embassy in central London. That night, a former Jewish charity building in Hendon, Barnet, was attacked. A man was observed approaching a row of shops carrying a plastic bag containing three bottles of fluid. He placed the bag by the old Jewish Futures building, lit the items inside, and fled after they failed to fully ignite. The shopfront sustained minor damage, and no injuries were reported. Videos shared by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia showed a target over an image of the Israeli embassy and individuals in hazmat suits flying drones, with another clip claiming responsibility for the Hendon attack.
19 April: A bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through the window of Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow. Smoke was detected inside a room after officers noticed damage to the window around midnight. A video, apparently from Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, depicted a person in dark clothing lighting an item and hurling it at the synagogue before running away. Two teenagers, a 17-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man, have since been arrested in connection with this incident and remain in custody as of Monday morning.
These coordinated attacks underscore a disturbing pattern of violence aimed at Jewish institutions and those opposing the Iranian regime. The Metropolitan Police continue to work diligently to apprehend all involved parties and prevent further incidents, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in these troubling times.
