Elite SAS troops are believed to have backed counter-terror cops during a series of dramatic raids across the UK, with five men arrested over a suspected plot to attack a synagogue.
Co-ordinated strikes unfolded on Saturday evening at addresses in west London, Rochdale, Swindon, Manchester, and Stockport, as officers swooped in to dismantle what sources describe as a “major attack threat”.
Dramatic Footage Shows Armed Raids
Footage captured the moment armed officers stormed a house in Rochdale, dragging a shirtless man from the property. Meanwhile, in Swindon town centre, plain-clothed officers were seen wrestling a suspect to the ground outside a Costa coffee shop.
Among those arrested:
- A 40-year-old man from Rochdale
- Two 29-year-olds from Swindon and Stockport
- A 46-year-old from west London
- A man from the Manchester area
Four of the suspects are Iranian nationals. The fifth’s nationality has not been confirmed. All remain in custody.
Special Forces Involvement ‘Highly Likely’
Colonel Philip Ingram, former British military intelligence officer, suggested that SAS and Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) operatives likely supported the counter-terror operation given the high threat level and potential hostile-state links.
Two Separate Iranian Plots?
Police confirmed three more Iranian men were arrested separately in London under the National Security Act 2023, suspected of foreign power threat activity. Although treated as separate cases, links between the two plots are being explored.
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UK on High Alert
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the foiled plan as “the most significant” counter-terrorism operation in recent years, warning the public about the increasing aggression of hostile states like Iran.
Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, warned authorities must have “more tools” to deal with such emerging threats and highlighted the growing use of organised crime gangs by rogue states.
Police Urge Public to Stay Vigilant
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said:
“This is a fast-moving investigation… We are keeping the affected sites updated and exploring all lines of enquiry to assess any further risks.”
Police are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
The Israeli Embassy in London has not yet commented on the incident.
