Counter-terrorism police are investigating a shocking arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, north-west London, which has been linked to the suspected terror group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia. The incident, treated as an antisemitic hate crime by the Metropolitan Police, occurred in Highfield Road and involved three individuals seen on CCTV pouring accelerant on the vehicles before setting them ablaze.
Who Are Harakat Ashab al-Yamin?
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, translating to the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, is a new group with suspected links to pro-Iranian networks, according to Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. The group's Telegram channel, created only recently, has circulated unverified videos claiming responsibility for the Golders Green attack and other incidents across Europe.
Suspected Iranian Connections
Israeli officials have highlighted that the group's name resembles Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, an Iraqi militia designated as a terrorist organisation by the US State Department. The logo used by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin also closely mirrors symbols associated with Iranian-aligned militant groups, suggesting coordination from abroad.
Amichai Chikli, Israel's diaspora affairs and combating antisemitism minister, stated to The Times of Israel that the attacks in Europe form part of a disturbing pattern orchestrated by terrorist networks affiliated with the Iranian axis. These networks are allegedly attempting to expand their operations into European cities and Jewish communities as a form of intimidation and psychological warfare.
Claims and Incidents Linked to the Group
In a statement on its Telegram channel, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin claimed its primary target was the Machzike Hadath Synagogue due to its links with Israel, citing former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's visit during the 2024 election campaign as evidence of British support for Israel.
The group has also claimed responsibility for several other antisemitic attacks across Europe this month, including:
- An explosive attack at a synagogue in Liege, Belgium
- An arson attack on a Rotterdam synagogue in the Netherlands
- An explosive device detonated at a Jewish school in Amsterdam
- A suspected attack at a Jewish site in Greece
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on social media platform X that Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia is a jihadi group tied to an Iranian proxy, responsible for attacks in Greece and sponsored by the IRGC, which continues to export terror globally.
Police Investigation and Response
Metropolitan Police detective chief superintendent Luke Williams confirmed awareness of the online claim from Harakat Ashab al-Yamin taking responsibility for the Golders Green arson. He emphasised that establishing the authenticity and accuracy of this claim remains a priority for the investigation team, though it cannot be confirmed at this stage.
Police are currently searching for three individuals seen on CCTV wearing hoods during the attack. The vehicles targeted belong to Hatzola, a Jewish community ambulance service, highlighting the antisemitic nature of the crime. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of the group's activities and connections.
