UK Arrests Eight in Counter-Terrorism Operations
Eight men—including seven Iranian nationals—were arrested in two separate counter-terrorism operations across England on Saturday, authorities said.
In the first operation, five men were detained under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism. Four are confirmed Iranian citizens, while the nationality of the fifth remains under investigation. The arrests took place in Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester.
Dramatic footage captured by residents and verified by the Guardian showed armed officers storming a property in Rochdale, while another suspect was seen being restrained in Swindon with plastic bags covering his arms. Police said the operation targeted an alleged plot against a "specific premises," though they declined to disclose further details for operational reasons.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command (CTC), described the operation as "significant" and "unusual in scale." He emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages, with authorities working to determine potential motives and whether additional risks exist.
Three More Arrested Under National Security Act
In a separate investigation, three Iranian men—aged 39, 44, and 55—were arrested in northwest and west London under Section 27 of the National Security Act, which covers threats linked to foreign powers. All suspects remain in custody as searches continue.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised the efforts of law enforcement, calling the operations among the "biggest counter-state threat and counter-terrorism actions" in recent years. She did not explicitly link the cases to Iran but noted the involvement of Iranian nationals in both investigations.
Growing Concerns Over Iranian-Backed Threats
The arrests come amid heightened concerns about Iranian-backed activities in the UK. Last year, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum revealed that security services had disrupted 20 Iran-linked plots since 2022, describing them as "potentially lethal threats."
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes during the arrests. In Rochdale, neighbors reported hearing an explosion-like sound as armed officers raided a property. In Stockport, a suspect was detained near a children’s play area, leaving residents shaken.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant but assured that the affected premises had been notified and provided with support. The investigations, involving hundreds of officers, continue as police assess whether overseas actors were involved.