British authorities have arrested two more men, aged 19 and 26, in Watford as part of an investigation into a conspiracy involving arson attacks on Jewish sites in London, according to The Guardian. These recent arrests bring the total number of suspects detained to at least 11, with counter-terrorism police continuing to expand their investigation.
Earlier this week, seven other individuals were arrested in London in connection to the alleged plot to carry out further arson attacks on Jewish community locations, as reported by both The Guardian and Politico Europe. The police are probing whether these suspects acted as paid proxies, with some attacks including the torching of volunteer ambulance vans and an attempted synagogue arson.
French news outlet France 24 reported that overall 23 people have been arrested in related operations, which also include attacks on a media outlet critical of Iran. Authorities are investigating potential involvement or sponsorship by Iran-backed groups, namely Harakat Ashab Al Yamin, who claimed responsibility following a 17-year-old's admission to setting fires.
According to the Times of Israel and Guardian World, two teenagers detained in the latest round of arrests are suspected to be "thugs for hire," raising concerns about the use of young individuals in these antisemitic attacks linked to Iranian-backed actors. The Metropolitan Police have condemned the violence and emphasized the ongoing nature of the counter-terrorism probe.
Going forward, investigators will focus on uncovering the full network behind these attacks, including possible financiers and international connections. Authorities have signaled heightened security for Jewish sites in London while legal proceedings continue against the arrested individuals.
Metropolitan Police
London
Mike Evans
United Kingdom
Iran
