PR in the Philippines

(SeaPRwire) –   British counterterror police are investigating the possibility that suspected Iranian proxies are responsible for a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in London, as a chief rabbi has stated that these attacks are intensifying.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that specialized counterterror officers are examining fires that occurred at synagogues, Jewish-affiliated facilities, and a Persian-language media company known for its criticism of Iran’s government.

The most recent incident resulted in minor damage to a synagogue in north London on Saturday night. No injuries have been reported in connection with any of the fires, all of which took place within a few miles of each other.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans stated that investigators are reviewing claims made by a group identifying itself as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which has claimed responsibility for several of the attacks. The group’s name translates to Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right.

“We are aware of public reports suggesting a potential link between this group and Iran. As you would expect, we will continue to investigate this possibility as our inquiry progresses,” she commented.

“I have previously discussed the Iranian regime’s use of criminal proxies, and we are considering whether this tactic is being employed here in London,” Evans added.

Authorities have indicated that this group, which Israel has identified as a potential Iranian proxy, has also claimed responsibility for synagogue attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Following a series of incidents in recent weeks, including the torching of four Jewish charity ambulances in the Golders Green area on March 23, police have increased their presence in northwest London with additional officers.

Several individuals, ranging in age from teenagers to people in their 40s, have already been apprehended and charged.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis issued a warning on X, stating that “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum.”

“Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society,” he emphasized.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the violence, describing the attacks as “abhorrent” and pledging that those responsible “will be found and brought to justice.”

The threat level escalated further after the group released a video claiming it intended to target Israel’s embassy in London with drones carrying hazardous materials. Police temporarily closed Kensington Gardens while investigating suspicious items, but confirmed that no dangerous substances were found.

British officials have long expressed concerns about Iran’s use of criminal networks to conduct attacks in Europe. MI5 reports that it has disrupted over 20 potentially lethal plots linked to Iran in the past year.

Police issued a direct warning to any “thugs for hire” involved in such attacks.

“Let’s be really clear — it’s a mug’s game,” stated Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes. “That’s what people who are now serving long prison sentences have found out, and the same fate awaits those responsible for these recent crimes.”

Investigators are continuing their probe as authorities work to determine if the attacks are part of a coordinated, foreign-backed operation.