Two men were arrested in London yesterday over alleged connections to Hezbollah, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
The pair, both in their 30s, are accused of being members of the proscribed group, with the Iran-backed Lebanese terror organisation banned by the UK since 2008.
A 39-year-old man, dubbed “A” was detained on suspicion of membership of a proscribed group, preparation for acts of terrorism and participation in a funding arrangement for the purpose of terrorism.
The other man, a 31-year-old labelled “B”, was arrested on suspicion of membership of a proscribed group only.
Searches were also carried out at five properties – two in North West London, one in West London, one in South West London and one in Essex.
The men were taken to a nearby police station and have since been bailed, pending a hearing in July.
Confirming the arrests, a Met spokesperson said: “Two men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences as part of a proactive investigation by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.
"The investigation relates to Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation under UK counter terrorism legislation.
"The investigation is largely focused on activity overseas, as well as activity within the UK.
"At this time, there is not believed to be any imminent threat to the public.”
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, added: “Terrorism and terrorists have a global reach and impact and the activities of terrorist groups overseas can harm communities here in the UK as well as causing devastation to those abroad.
"Our investigation remains ongoing, but I hope that these arrests show we will take robust action against anyone here whom we suspect as being involved in terrorist activity regardless of whether their activity is focused here in the UK or elsewhere.”
