The German domestic intelligence agency warns of an escalation: A pro-Iranian group is threatening attacks in Europe. Following arson attacks, explosives and weapons could also be used in the future.
The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution fears a new level of escalation in Europe involving the pro-Iranian group Harakat Ashab al-Jamin al-Islamiya (Hayi). “What’s new is Hayi’s warning that they will no longer limit themselves to ‘simple’ attacks, but will also include more dangerous means in the long term,” the agency explained in response to an inquiry from the Handelsblatt newspaper . This refers to a possible transition from arson to attacks with explosives or weapons.
The background to this is a series of attacks on Jewish and US institutions in European countries since March 9, including in Germany. The group Hayi has claimed responsibility for the attacks, particularly arson attacks, via videos, according to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Germany’s domestic intelligence agency). The attacks reportedly took place “during the night or early morning hours and so far have not resulted in any injuries.” The targets were “primarily located in the Benelux countries and Great Britain.”
The domestic intelligence agency suspects an Iraqi Shiite network is behind the group. “The organization uses various channels from the Shiite extremist and pro-Iranian sphere on different social media platforms to report on its activities,” the agency explained. Hayi has also “recently clearly stated its political motivation behind the attacks and openly threatened Israeli institutions as well as the so-called ‘enemies of Islam’ in Europe.”
In recent weeks,
six targets in the Greater London area have been attacked, including a Jewish ambulance service and a Persian-language media outlet. In the most recent attack on Saturday, a bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through the window of a synagogue in Harrow, just outside London. According to the SITE Intelligence Group, the previously low-profile group Hayi claimed responsibility for some of the attacks. The organization reportedly has close ties to Iran.
