Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution warns of a new dimension to threats from the Harakat Ashabal-Yamin al-Islamia group, potentially linked to Iran.
Threats and New Tactics
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution reports that the Harakat Ashabal-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), or Islamic Movement of the Righteous Companions, threatens to move beyond “simple” attacks and employ more dangerous methods, a new development according to counterintelligence.
Security officials have expressed concern regarding the group’s activities, with experts suggesting a potential connection to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Direct Threats to “Enemies of Islam”
HAYI openly threatens “enemies of Islam,” specifically targeting Israeli institutions and perceived “enemies of Islam” within Europe.
The organization utilizes social media channels associated with Shiite extremist circles and supporters of Iran to disseminate information about its activities.
Recent Attacks and Attribution
Since March 9th, attacks – particularly arson – targeting Jewish and American institutions have increased across Europe, with HAYI claiming responsibility in video statements.
These attacks, occurring at night or in the early morning, have not resulted in casualties, primarily targeting locations in the Benelux countries and the United Kingdom.
Iranian Involvement Suspected
Terrorism expert Peter Neumann suggests the attack pattern indicates potential involvement from Iranian actors.
According to Neumann, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been promoting such attacks in Europe, employing a consistent method suggesting non-independent operation.
Recruitment efforts have reportedly occurred online, sometimes within criminal circles, with subsequent financial compensation for carrying out or attempting attacks.
Political Concerns and Escalation
German security politicians suspect a link between the attacks and the escalating conflict in Iran.
Marc Henrichmann, chairman of the parliamentary control committee for intelligence services, stated that the recent incidents are closely tied to the Iranian conflict’s escalation, warning that the threat to Jewish, Israeli, and American institutions remains high despite increased protection.
Officials believe perpetrators operate covertly, employing a known Iranian tactic of spreading terror through proxies worldwide.
“New Dimension of Threat”
Konstantin von Notz, vice-chairman of the same committee, also warned of a “new dimension of threat.”
He assessed that Iranian authorities may deliberately use agents to observe, threaten, and attack Jewish, Israeli, and Israel-related institutions, as well as Iranian regime critics in the diaspora.
