By Blessing Nweke
British authorities are investigating a shadowy online group suspected of links to Iran following a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in London and across Europe.
The group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), has claimed responsibility for at least eight attacks in London in recent weeks, as well as incidents in Belgium and the Netherlands. Counterterrorism officials say they are examining whether the group is directly connected to the Iranian state or acting as a proxy.
Vicki Evans, the U.K.’s senior counterterrorism coordinator, said investigators are aware of reports suggesting Iranian involvement and are exploring all possibilities. “We are considering whether this reflects hostile state activity,” she said.
The latest incident occurred overnight at a synagogue in Harrow, where a fire caused smoke damage but no injuries. It follows similar attacks in Finchley and northwest London, which police have described as antisemitic hate crimes.
Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes described the situation as unusually complex, citing a convergence of hate crime, radicalization, and potential foreign interference. “The way these threats are aligning is extraordinary,” he said.
HAYI first surfaced online in early March and has since claimed responsibility for attacks in Liège, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. Analysts note that its statements often appear on Iranian-aligned channels shortly after incidents occur.
Security experts, including those monitoring the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, suggest the group may be a front for deniable operations. Authorities are also investigating whether suspects arrested in London were recruited as paid proxies.
Police have made multiple arrests and warned that anyone involved will face serious consequences as the investigation continues.
Original article
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