Investigation Underway After Claims of Drone Incident Near Israeli Embassy
Parts of central London are currently on lockdown as emergency services, donned in “biohazard suits,” investigate claims from an Iran-linked group that drones were used to deliver “radioactive and carcinogenic material” to the Israeli embassy.
On Friday, specialized teams conducted searches in Kensington Park, home to the embassy, due to “derelict objects” discovered overnight. The park has been closed off to the public, marked with “danger” signs on closed gates, while personnel from various emergency services, including the Metropolitan Police’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Team, were present.
Counter-terrorism police are involved as well, noting they had seen a video posted on social media by the Iranian-affiliated group Ashab al-Yamin, which asserted they launched the alleged materials into the embassy. Authorities indicated they do not consider there to be any larger threat to public safety and characterized the embassy incident as “amateur.”
Both the police and representatives from the embassy have stated that no actual attack took place. They suggested that if there was a planned attack, it ultimately failed. In a statement, police affirmed, “While we can confirm that the embassy was not attacked, we are conducting an urgent investigation to confirm the video’s authenticity and its potential connection to the items found in Kensington Gardens.”
The Associated Press reiterated that police do not believe there is “an increased risk to public safety at this stage,” but it is advised that the public avoids the vicinity.
Ashab al-Yamin has reportedly claimed responsibility for several recent incidents in London, but their claims do not prove their involvement. As mentioned, authorities are examining whether they were truly behind the incidents, including a purported attack on a synagogue and damage to Jewish charity ambulances. However, police have yet to categorize these occurrences as definite terrorist acts.
There’s also the possibility that agents for hire were involved, drawing parallels to tactics previously employed in Russia’s sabotage efforts across Europe, where cash incentives have been offered to vulnerable individuals for illicit activities. Police have cautioned against taking on such tasks, asserting, “Let us be clear on this message: We have seen racist and anti-Semitic hate crimes, and while we do not comment on actual incidents, we are aware that some individuals are persuaded or paid to work on behalf of foreign organizations or nations.”
The message is clear: “If you act out of hatred, racism or anti-Semitism, we will come after you, and you will face the consequences. If you believe you can make quick and easy money by committing crimes on behalf of others, you will be mistaken.”
