Eight arrested in UK counter-terrorism operations, majority Iranian nationals

New Delhi, May 04: Eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, have been arrested in two unconnected counter-terrorism investigations in the UK, according to a report by the BBC. Five of the arrests were made on Saturday across various locations in England, including Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale and Manchester, as part of a "pre-planned" operation targeting a suspected plot against an unspecified location, the Metropolitan Police said.

Four of those detained, two aged 29, one aged 40, and one aged 46 are Iranian nationals. The nationality of the fifth individual has not yet been confirmed.

All five were arrested on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism. Four were detained under the Terrorism Act, while one was held under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. The police confirmed as quoted by BBC that the site allegedly targeted has been informed and is being supported by officers.

In a separate, unrelated investigation, three more men—all Iranian nationals were arrested under the National Security Act at different addresses in north-west and west London. They remain in custody as police searches continue.