A newly emerged terrorist group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks targeting Jewish institutions across Europe. The group, which translates to "The Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right," has been linked to arson attacks in London and Antwerp, Belgium, as well as other incidents in France, Greece, and the Netherlands.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
On March 23, 2026, four Jewish ambulances were set ablaze in Golders Green, London, and a car in a Jewish neighborhood of Antwerp, Belgium, was torched the same night. HAYI claimed responsibility for both attacks. The group first emerged on March 9 after an improvised explosive device was placed outside a synagogue in Liège, Belgium.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Origins and Claims
HAYI communicates primarily through Telegram, where it posts propaganda videos and claims responsibility for attacks. The group uses Iranian-inspired imagery and has published material in English and Arabic. However, some of its claims, such as an alleged explosion in Greece, have not been verified by local authorities.
Investigations and Responses
British authorities, including MI5 and the Metropolitan Police, are investigating the attacks and assessing whether HAYI has ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has called for stronger action against what he describes as an "Iranian Islamist fifth column" in Britain.
Unverified Claims and Amateursim
Experts suggest HAYI may be an astroturfed terror brand rather than a grassroots group, possibly linked to an Iran-aligned network. The group’s Telegram channel, which had fewer than 200 subscribers, was deleted shortly after the attacks. Some analysts believe the group may consist of disaffected individuals rather than a structured organization.
Broader Implications
The attacks coincide with ongoing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, with HAYI framing its actions as retaliation for military strikes. The group has threatened further attacks on U.S. and Israeli interests worldwide.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities in Belgium and the UK are working to determine the validity of HAYI’s claims and whether Iran is directly involved. The group’s lack of a recorded history before March 9 raises questions about its origins and motivations.