Five British nationals were arrested near the RAF Fairford military base on suspicion of terrorism, sparking an investigation into a potential plot involving foreign actors.
Key facts
- •The five suspects are UK nationals from London aged between 23 and 25.
- •All five men were released on bail on Monday.
- •RAF Fairford is a US-operated airbase used for long-range bomber operations.
- •Counter-terror police are investigating whether the suspects were working on behalf of a foreign state.
- •The Iranian embassy has categorically rejected any involvement in the incident.
Five British men aged 23 to 25 were arrested near the perimeter of RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire early Sunday morning. The men were initially detained under the Explosives Act and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. While a local resident reported the suspicious activity to police, authorities stated they were already aware of the vehicles involved prior to the call.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
A local farmer reported encountering three vans blocking a path near the airbase around 1am on Sunday, followed by a group of masked men. She contacted police at 1:36am, and armed officers arrived shortly after. However, Gloucestershire Constabulary stated they were alerted to the vehicles at 12:45am, nearly an hour before the farmer's call. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting suggested the farmer's account provided only a partial picture, and Donald Trump claimed US and UK agencies had the suspects under observation for a significant time.
Investigation into Potential Foreign Involvement
Police have confirmed that the materials found in the three vehicles were not viable explosives. The investigation is now focused on the suspects' motives, with officials exploring the possibility that the men were acting as proxies for a foreign state. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated a foreign actor was involved, though he provided no evidence. While Iran has been the subject of speculation due to its previous rhetoric regarding the base, the Iranian embassy has denied any involvement.
Timeline
- 12:45am, SundayGloucestershire Constabulary was first alerted to the suspicious vans.
- 1:00am, SundayA local farmer encountered three vans blocking a path near RAF Fairford.
- 1:36am, SundayThe farmer contacted police to report the suspicious activity.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Health.
