London Park Sealed Off After Iran-Linked Group Claims Drone Attack on Israeli Embassy A section of Kensington Gardens in central London was cordoned off and investigated by emergency services in biohazard suits following claims by an Iran-linked group, Ashab al-Yamin, of using drones to deliver radioactive and carcinogenic materials to the Israeli embassy. Police are examining discarded items found in the park and assessing the authenticity of the group's video claims, while emphasizing no wider public risk and that the embassy was not attacked. Counter-terrorism units are involved, and authorities are investigating potential links between the discarded items and the alleged drone activity. Police also issued a warning against individuals being enticed or paid by foreign entities to commit crimes. Central London's Kensington Gardens became the scene of a significant security operation on Friday after an Iran-linked group, Ashab al-Yamin, claimed responsibility for a drone attack on the Israeli embassy, allegedly delivering radioactive and carcinogenic materials. Specialist officers, clad in biohazard suits, were observed investigating discarded items discovered in the park overnight. The park was subsequently closed to the public, with warning signs indicating hazardous conditions posted on its gates. The presence of Metropolitan Police Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) response teams, along with the Ambulance Service hazardous area team and the London Fire Brigade, underscored the seriousness of the situation. Counter-terrorism police confirmed their awareness of a video posted on social media by Ashab al-Yamin on Thursday night, which purported to show the drone operation. However, authorities stressed that they do not believe there is an increased risk to the wider public. Sources close to the investigation described the alleged incident as amateurish, and both the police and the Israeli embassy affirmed that the embassy itself had not been successfully attacked, suggesting any attempt had failed. Police issued a statement confirming that while the embassy was not attacked, urgent inquiries were underway to verify the video's authenticity and establish any connection to the items found in Kensington Gardens. The Associated Press reported that police reiterated their assessment of no immediate public safety threat but advised the public to avoid the area. This incident follows a series of claims made by Ashab al-Yamin in recent weeks regarding various incidents across London. Law enforcement agencies are actively probing the group's actual involvement in these past events. On Thursday, Ashab al-Yamin also claimed responsibility for attacks on synagogues and the burning of Jewish charity ambulances, though police had not yet officially classified these as terror attacks. Investigators are also considering the possibility of paid proxies being utilized, a tactic reportedly employed by Russia in espionage and sabotage campaigns in Europe, where individuals are allegedly offered substantial financial rewards for carrying out criminal acts. Authorities issued a stern warning to the public against engaging in such activities, stating, 'We have seen racist and antisemitic hate crimes, and without commenting on live cases, we know that some individuals are being persuaded or paid to act on behalf of foreign organisations and states. If you act out of hatred, racism or antisemitism, we will come after you and you will face the consequences. If you believe you can make quick and easy money by committing crimes for others, you will be shown to be wrong.' The investigation highlights the complex and evolving nature of security threats, where state-sponsored or state-linked groups may employ sophisticated or unconventional methods, and where local individuals might be recruited for criminal enterprises. The careful wording from the police, emphasizing the ongoing nature of inquiries and the lack of immediate public danger while still securing the area, reflects the delicate balance between public reassurance and operational effectiveness. The purported use of drones to deliver hazardous materials, even if amateurish in execution, represents a significant escalation in claimed tactics, prompting a thorough examination of the group's capabilities and intentions. The involvement of multiple emergency and specialized units signifies a comprehensive response aimed at mitigating any potential hazards and ensuring public safety, while simultaneously gathering intelligence on the perpetrators. The emphasis on the non-attack of the embassy, while possibly intended to calm nerves, also serves to differentiate between a claimed act and a successful penetration, a crucial distinction in assessing the threat landscape. The ongoing scrutiny of Ashab al-Yamin's claims and potential links to foreign entities underscores a broader concern about foreign interference and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals within the UK for illicit purposes. The investigation is expected to continue as authorities work to piece together the full picture of the alleged incident and its implications for national security