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Iran-backed trio accused of plotting attacks on U.K. base hosting U.S. jets

By · Via NPR · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The suspects allegedly directed extensive violence remotely, guiding operatives in real time via FaceTime to ignite and throw incendiary devices. In London, the group carried out arson attacks and the near-fatal stabbing of two Jewish men, while also planning operations against Jewish communities in New York. A major plot against RAF Fairford involved deploying commercial-branded vans filled with fuel drums before British police intervened. Even while incarcerated in a U.S. facility, one defendant used coded calls through family members to help finance the thwarted airfield operation.

Key points

  • The network targeted civilian Jewish locations alongside military infrastructure across E…: The network targeted civilian Jewish locations alongside military infrastructure across Europe and the United States.
  • Operatives frequently relied on live video calls over FaceTime to direct the deployment o…: Operatives frequently relied on live video calls over FaceTime to direct the deployment of explosive and incendiary devices.
  • Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi continued coordinating network finances through coded…: Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi continued coordinating network finances through coded jailhouse phone calls with family members in Iraq.

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Iran-backed trio accused of plotting attacks on U.K. base hosting U.S. jets

Federal prosecutors in New York have charged three men with terrorism offenses over what they describe as an Iran-backed campaign of nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks across Europe and the United States. The charges include a September plot against a British air base where American forces were stationed.

The indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, names Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, 32, who holds Iranian and Iraqi citizenship, Mohsen Mohajeri, 48, an Iranian, and Mohammed Ali Al-Hassani, 35, an Iraqi.

Prosecutors allege the men acted on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iraqi militia Kata'ib Hezbollah to orchestrate, plan and conduct the attacks through a network of associates across Europe and the U.S., targeting Jewish communities and a British base hosting American troops. The indictment cites plots against synagogues in London and in New York. Both Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Kata'ib Hezbollah are designated by the United States as foreign terrorist organizations.

The court filings describe an operation that was directed, in part, by the suspects…

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