Two Iranian men charged over Manchester Yom Kippur plot

British counterterrorism police said Friday they had charged two Iranian nationals with planning an attack on Manchester's Jewish community on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The charges came on the first anniversary of last year's deadly attack on the Heaton Park synagogue.nbcnews+3

Police named the men as Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool and Rahman Salehi of Salford. Reports give Salehi's age as either 34 or 35. Both were arrested in Manchester on Sunday, September 20, and have been charged with "engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts". Reuters reported that they will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Saturday.reuters+2

Alleged Iran link and explosive components

Police allege the two men were in contact with "an overseas third-party who may be in Iran" in connection with the plot. According to the police statement, they had components for making an improvised explosive device and had carried out reconnaissance of possible targets. Iran International reported that the arrests took place in Manchester's Northern Quarter, and that authorities have not publicly said the Iranian state directed the plot. The Telegraph reported that both men came to Britain illegally on small boats.iranintl+3

"These are extremely serious charges and allegations," said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing. She said the investigation had disrupted "what we believe to have been a plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester" and added that police do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.telegraph+1

Terry Woods, deputy chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said the news would be especially worrying "on the calendar anniversary of last year's terrorist atrocity at the Heaton Park synagogue, and during the Jewish High Holy Days." He said the extra policing in Jewish communities would stay in place.kvia

A week of Iran-related security alarms

The charges came during a tense week for UK security. On Sunday, police arrested five British men from London on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences after three suspicious vehicles were seen heading toward RAF Fairford. The US Air Force has used the base for strikes on Iran. The five were released on bail. On Thursday, police arrested a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national in Westminster in connection with the incident.nbcnews+1

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were "strong indications" that Tehran was involved in the airbase incident. Iran has denied this.kvia+1

Police said the two cases are not linked. "This week also brought into sharp focus some of the wider threats being projected into the UK from Iran," Evans said. "While this incident and the investigation into the RAF Fairford incident are not connected in any way, I want to reassure the public that CTP, working with our national security partners, are using the full range of our capabilities to protect the UK from any hostile acts".nbcnews

Britain has seen a series of antisemitic attacks this year, including on synagogues and other community buildings. The government has sent extra police to protect Jewish areas.kvia