The Metropolitan Police in London arrested eight men, with seven being Iranian nationals, in connection to two counterterrorism investigations, one involving a suspected plot targeting a specific site. Authorities are emphasizing the need for heightened national security in light of increasing threats from Iran.
British Police Conduct Counterterrorism Operations, Arrest Seven Iranian Nationals
British Police Conduct Counterterrorism Operations, Arrest Seven Iranian Nationals
Eight men, including seven Iranians, are arrested amid ongoing investigations into a suspected terrorist plot in London.
In a significant counterterrorism operation, the Metropolitan Police in London reported on Sunday that they have apprehended eight individuals, among whom seven are nationals from Iran. This action stems from two separate investigations, illustrating heightened concerns about national security.
In the first case, on Saturday, four Iranian suspects and a fifth man of undetermined nationality were arrested under suspicion of planning a terrorist attack on a specific target, which authorities have chosen not to disclose for operational reasons. Dominic Murphy, who heads the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, noted that the investigation is progressing rapidly and indicated that police are collaborating closely with the affected site to provide ongoing updates.
Murphy acknowledged that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, with various lines of inquiry being explored to uncover the potential motivations behind the plot and assess any additional risks to public safety. The arrested Iranian nationals include individuals aged 29, 40, and 46. Their arrests took place in various locations including London, Swindon, Stockport, and Rochdale, while another suspect was detained in the Manchester area.
In a separate but timely operation, three additional Iranian nationals—aged 39, 44, and 55—were arrested in London on Saturday. Authorities emphasize that these latter arrests are unrelated to the aforementioned investigation. Following these actions, searches are currently being executed at multiple addresses linked to the detained individuals. All arrests were conducted under the National Security Act 2023, designed to bolster security against hostile threats to the UK.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper labeled the arrests as significant and indicative of an ongoing need to refine responses to national security threats. Cooper confirmed that the government is working in close partnership with police and intelligence services to monitor and mitigate these threats effectively.
The investigations are part of a broader pattern identified by Ken McCallum, head of MI5, who recently highlighted Iran’s growing significance as a potential threat to UK national security, noting that Britain has been proactive in countering numerous Iranian-backed plots in recent years.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting communicated that further information will be provided to the public as it becomes available but outlined the importance of discretion due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigations.
