A migrant who attempted to launch a terror attack on the Israeli embassy in London as an act of revenge for Gaza has been stopped by police. Abdullah Sabah Albadri, 34, was caught scaling the fence of the diplomatic building in Kensington in April last year, armed with two knives.
Footage shows the 34-year-old, wearing a red and white scarf wrapped around his head and sunglasses, being dragged down by armed officers before being pinned to the ground. He told officers he had weapons and wanted to 'make a crime' inside the embassy. Officers found a martyrdom note on him, explaining that he intended to die 'for the glory of God'.
Albadri had entered the UK via a small boat from France that same month and had been researching how to secure asylum status. However, he was also found to have searched various Arabic terms relating to suicide and martyrdom in the five days before the attempted attack.
Police Praise Swift Action
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, said: 'Albadri wanted to carry out a terrorist attack at the Embassy, but thanks to the courageous and swift actions of officers on duty, they prevented him from breaching the security perimeter and stopped what could have been a deadly incident.'
She added: 'I want to praise the officers' incredible bravery and professionalism, which, remarkably, resulted in nobody being seriously injured – despite being confronted by a man armed with knives, intent on carrying out a terrorist attack. Those officers responded within seconds, and after his safe arrest, a thorough investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London ensured we gathered the evidence that secured this conviction.'
Commander Flanagan also noted: 'Sadly, the Embassy has faced various security alerts in recent times. However, CTP works closely with the Embassy and our colleagues in the Met to continuously review and strengthen protective security plans to ensure the site and the wider community is kept as safe as possible.'
The quick response by armed officers prevented what could have been a deadly incident, and Albadri was safely arrested. The investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London secured a conviction, highlighting the ongoing threat to diplomatic missions in the capital.
