An Iran-backed extremist organisation has asserted responsibility for its sixth attack since early April after counter-terrorism officers launched an investigation into an attempted firebombing of a Jewish-owned commercial property in northwest London.
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia circulated footage via Telegram purporting to show an individual igniting bottles within a plastic bag inside the Hendon premises before filming the burning building whilst fleeing—the latest in an escalating campaign that included yesterday’s alleged drone operation targeting the Israeli embassy with materials the group characterised as radioactive.
The Friday night assault saw a suspect approach a row of shops at 10.31pm carrying a bag later found to contain three fluid-filled bottles. Metropolitan Police confirmed the perpetrator positioned the container against the building and attempted ignition, though the devices failed to achieve full combustion before he absconded, leaving only minor shopfront damage and no casualties.
Counter Terrorism Policing London has assumed investigative control with North West Command Area support, though authorities emphasised the incident currently lacks terrorist classification and detectives maintain an “open mind about the motive.”
Commander Helen Flanagan stated the arson is not presently linked to recent incidents in the area or last month’s Golders Green attack, despite acknowledging similarities prompted the counter-terrorism response. “We will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible for this and other, similar, hateful acts against London’s communities,” she declared.
The claim of responsibility marks a significant acceleration in the group’s activities, with six attacks attributed to the organisation since early April representing an unprecedented tempo. Security sources reportedly view the group’s propaganda materials as “extremely amateurish” yet believe they may function as proxy operatives commissioned by pro-Iranian regime entities.
Yesterday’s Kensington Gardens closure saw hazmat-suited officers investigate “discarded items” following the group’s video claiming drones carrying “radioactive and cancer-causing materials” had been launched towards the embassy, though authorities confirmed the facility was not attacked.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams acknowledged community anxieties following the latest incident. “Since last month’s attack in Golders Green, we have stepped up police patrols and vigilance to reassure communities and disrupt offenders,” he stated, noting enhanced security includes armed deployments and Project Servator officers trained to identify preparatory criminal activity.
No arrests have been made, with investigators appealing for information via 101 quoting CAD 8987/17APRIL or Crimestoppers anonymously.
