Elite SAS troops were drafted in alongside counter-terror police during raids across Greater Manchester which foiled a suspected Iran-backed terror plot.
Terror arrests after dramatic armed raids
Armed police stormed homes in Rochdale, Stockport and Manchester on Saturday night in lightning raids, assisted by crack special forces soldiers. Further linked operations took place in London and Swindon as fears mounted about a potential plot.
Neighbours in Rochdale said they heard a loud bang as officers forced entry to one address, where a man was marched outside in just his underwear. A total of five Iranian nationals were arrested, with four remaining in custody tonight after magistrates granted detectives an extension to hold them for questioning until May 10.
Target believed to be outside Greater Manchester
While exact details remain classified, sources told the Manchester Evening News that the venue allegedly targeted in the suspected plot is believed to be outside Greater Manchester. They confirmed it was not a high-profile site such as Old Trafford, the Trafford Centre or Co-op Live.
Heightened terror threat from Iran, say MI5
The raids follow chilling warnings from MI5 about rising threats from Iran. Last year, the agency’s boss revealed Iranian-backed plots had surged, with 20 potential attacks stopped since June 2022. Security sources say Iran now uses criminal proxies, including drug gangs and low-level criminals, to try and carry out deadly missions on UK soil.
SAS ‘light years ahead’ for risky raids
A security insider said the involvement of the SAS reflected the high risk of the raids. “They are light years ahead of armed police and equipped with counter-measures in case of bombs,” the source said. The Rochdale raid, unusually carried out during daylight, suggested police had to act fast due to an urgent threat.
Public urged not to speculate
Commander Dominic Murphy, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This is a highly complex and ongoing investigation. We are aware of public concern but urge people not to speculate or share misinformation. The safety of the public is our priority.”
Community tensions remain high
In the wake of the arrests, synagogues and Jewish sites across the UK remain on high alert. Meanwhile, a man recently attempted to storm the Israeli embassy in London armed with knives and carrying a martyrdom note, sparking further alarm.
Police continue to search addresses in Greater Manchester tonight as part of this rapidly evolving investigation.
