British police arrest several Iranian men over alleged plot to attack target in London

British counterterrorism officers have arrested several Iranian men over an alleged plan to attack an undisclosed location in London, the London Metropolitan Police revealed on Sunday. The arrests were made on Saturday in various parts of England, with five men between the ages of 29 and 46 taken into custody on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Four of the men are Iranian citizens, while the nationality of the fifth suspect is still being determined.

In a separate investigation, three other Iranian men, aged 39, 44, and 55, were arrested in London on suspicion of a national security offense. All the suspects are currently being questioned at police stations but have not yet been charged. Police are conducting searches at several properties in London, Manchester in northwest England, and Swindon in western England.

The attack plot targeted a single location, which authorities have chosen not to disclose “for operational reasons.” Commander Dominic Murphy, who heads the police force’s Counter Terrorism Command, stated that investigators are working to establish a motive and identify any potential further risk to the public.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper commented on the arrests, emphasizing the ongoing need to adapt responses to national security threats. She affirmed that the government is working closely with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to ensure the country’s safety.

In a statement made in October, the head of Britain’s MI5 domestic security service, Ken McCallum, revealed that 20 “potentially lethal” plots backed by Iran had been identified since 2022, with most targeting Iranians in the U.K. who oppose the Iranian authorities. McCallum warned of the risk of an increase in Iranian state aggression in the U.K. if conflicts in the Middle East escalate.

The U.K.’s official terror threat level currently stands at “substantial,” indicating that an attack is likely. The government and security agencies remain vigilant in monitoring and addressing security threats to safeguard the nation.

The Associated Press has contributed to this report.

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