Counter-Terror Police Probe Iran-Aligned Group Over London Ambulance Arson
Counter-terrorism officers are urgently investigating a social media claim by an Iran-aligned terror group that it was responsible for a shocking antisemitic arson attack in north London. The horrific incident saw four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity deliberately set ablaze in the early hours of Monday morning in Golders Green.
Details of the Golders Green Attack
Four Hatzola ambulances were completely destroyed after being ignited by fire. No arrests have been made at this stage, but police are examining an online claim of responsibility that has circulated widely. A Telegram post from the group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which translates as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, explicitly claims the group orchestrated the arson.
An unverified video posted at 6:13 AM on Monday on the group's Telegram channel displayed street view Google Maps images of the ambulance location alongside footage showing explosions. Additional video evidence appears to show three individuals approaching the vehicles moments before the fire erupted.
Profile of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia represents a newly emerged terror organization with suspected links to Iranian networks. Earlier in March, Israel's diaspora ministry released a report indicating that such attacks form part of a coordinated campaign of intimidation and psychological warfare targeting Jewish communities across Europe.
Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli stated publicly that recent events in Europe are not isolated incidents but rather reflect a disturbing pattern. He emphasized that terrorist networks affiliated with the Iranian axis are attempting to expand their operational arena into European cities and Jewish communities.
The Israeli report further notes that the group operates through local cells or individuals directed from abroad. Notably, the organization's name bears similarity to Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, an Iraqi militia previously designated as a terrorist entity by the United States Department of State.
Group's Claims and Targeting Rationale
In their Telegram video, the group included an English message stating their primary target was the Machzike Hadath Synagogue in Golders Green due to its perceived links with Israel. The post specifically referenced former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's visit to the synagogue during the June 2024 election campaign, where he expressed Britain's unwavering support for Israel.
Origins and Suspected Iranian Connections
While the exact formation date remains unclear, this terror group appears to have emerged publicly since the beginning of the Iranian conflict with the United States and Israel. The group's Telegram channel was reportedly created only on Saturday, indicating very recent organizational activity.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley commented that while it remains too early to definitively attribute the attack to Iran, he acknowledged the rapid growth in recent years of Iranian state threats represents a grave concern for national security.
Previous Incidents Linked to the Group
According to the Israeli ministry, this same group has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Jewish sites in Belgium and the Netherlands between March 9 and March 14. These incidents included:
- An explosive attack at a synagogue in Liege, Belgium
- An arson attack on a Rotterdam synagogue
- An explosive device detonated at a Jewish school in Amsterdam
The group's Telegram channel additionally features video footage of an attack in Amsterdam targeting an American bank, further demonstrating their operational reach.
Official Police Response and Investigation
Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams addressed the developing situation, stating: "We are aware of an online claim from a group taking responsibility for this attack. Establishing the authenticity and accuracy of this claim will be a priority for the investigation team but it is not something we can confirm at this point."
Counter Terrorism Police, who are leading the investigation, have issued a public appeal for anyone with footage of the arson attack to come forward. Forensic experts have been meticulously examining the scene since Monday, collecting evidence that may prove crucial to identifying those responsible for this act of terror.
