UK Police Probe Drone Threat Claim Near Israeli Embassy in London

Mintesinot Nigussie

British counter-terrorism police are investigating a reported security incident near the Israeli embassy in London after a group claimed online to have targeted the site using drones carrying “dangerous substances.” Officers in protective clothing were deployed to assess items found in Kensington Gardens, close to the embassy.

“Counter Terrorism Policing London are aware of a video shared online overnight in which a group claim to have targeted the nearby embassy of Israel with drones carrying dangerous substances,” said Matt Jukes, head of counter-terrorism policing in London. “Whilst we can confirm that the embassy has not been attacked, we’re carrying out urgent inquiries to determine the authenticity of the video and to identify any potential link between it and the items discarded in Kensington Gardens.”

Police said there was no indication the embassy itself had been struck, but cordons were put in place and public access to Kensington Gardens and surrounding areas was restricted while investigations continued. Authorities said they do not believe there is an increased risk to the public, though residents were advised to avoid the area as a precaution.

The Israeli embassy said all staff were safe and confirmed that no attack had taken place, adding that it remained in close contact with local authorities. The video was posted by a pro-Iranian group known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya. The footage showed drones and individuals wearing protective gear, alongside a message claiming the embassy was being targeted.

The group has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S., Israeli and Jewish targets across Europe, including an arson incident last month that destroyed several ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola in north London.

Overall, UK police are actively probing the drone threat claim near the Israeli embassy in London, treating the circulated video and discarded items as part of an urgent investigation.