Man Charged With Terror Offence After Attempted Breach Of Israeli Embassy In London.
A 33-year-old man, Abdullah Sabah Albadri, has been charged with a terrorism offence following an attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Israeli Embassy in London while armed with two knives. The incident, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on Monday, was swiftly thwarted by the Metropolitan Police, with no injuries reported.
The Metropolitan Police, responsible for law enforcement in London, confirmed that Albadri was arrested at the embassy in the Kensington neighbourhood after officers observed him attempting to climb over a wall. Initially detained on suspicion of a public order offence, trespassing on a designated site, and possession of an offensive weapon, further inquiries led to an additional arrest under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, which pertains to the preparation or instigation of terror attacks.
Prosecutor Kristel Pous revealed during a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday that a “martyrdom note” was found in Albadri’s pocket following his arrest. She added that Albadri told officers at the scene he intended to “send a message to the Israeli government to stop the war” in Gaza. Albadri, who has no fixed address, also faces two counts of possession of a bladed article. He appeared in court to confirm his identity but did not enter a plea.
Judge Tan Ikram ordered that Albadri remain in custody pending a further hearing on 7 May. Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, reassured the public that no other suspects are being sought and there is no believed wider threat to public safety.
The Israeli Embassy, known for its stringent security measures, expressed gratitude to the British security forces for preventing what it described as an “attempted terror attack.” In a statement, the embassy said, “We are relieved that no injuries occurred, and all embassy staff and visitors are safe.”
The incident underscores the ongoing vigilance of London’s police force in protecting diplomatic sites amidst heightened global tensions. The Metropolitan Police continue to investigate, with further updates expected as the case progresses.