Five British Nationals Arrested Near RAF Fairford Airbase on Terrorism Charges
Arrests Near RAF Fairford
British police arrested five suspects on suspicion of explosives offences and preparation of a terrorist act after receiving a report of three suspicious white vans near RAF Fairford airbase. [2] A local farmer in the village of Whelford alerted authorities after seeing the white vans blocking a road and a group of hooded and masked men who fled into nearby woods upon being spotted. [3] The farmer made a 999 call that prompted the police response, which included armed officers and bomb-disposal experts at the scene. [4] Authorities evacuated 85 households from the village early Sunday as a police cordon remained in place around the area. [2] The five men, who were travelling in the three suspect vehicles, were arrested early Sunday following the farmer's report. [4] Bomb-disposal teams operated around the vans, and security was stepped up at the base with armed police at the main entrance and large machinery blocking other access points. [4]
Suspects Released on Bail
The five British nationals from London in their early to mid-20s were released on bail Monday with stringent conditions after extensive interviews and enquiries. [1] Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor stated that the release does not mean the investigation is over and that multiple lines of inquiry remain open. [2] The men, all living in inner London boroughs, face continued scrutiny under UK anti-terrorism laws for explosives offences and preparation of a terrorist act. [2] Police said the three white vans have undergone extensive examination with support from military assets and forensic experts. [2] A very complex and extensive operation remains underway according to counter-terrorism police. [5]
UK police released on bail five men held over airbase incident. — Source: thenewarab
Probe Into Possible Foreign State Links
Police are considering whether the activity was committed by proxies or individuals working on behalf of a foreign state. [2] Officers are examining the incident from every possible angle, including potential links to foreign states, as stated by Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor. [3] A source familiar with the investigation indicated that an Iranian-linked motive is considered the most likely, though Russian sabotage operations or Islamist plots are also being examined as possibilities. [4] The arrests were not intelligence-led, even though security had been heightened at the base prior to the incident. [4] Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans asked for space to work carefully amid speculation about motives and geopolitical questions. [4]
Iran Denies Involvement
Iran's embassy in London categorically rejected and strongly condemned speculation linking Tehran to the arrests of the five suspects near RAF Fairford. [3] The embassy described the speculations as unfounded and malicious, warning that they would serve no purpose other than to fuel Iranophobia propaganda in the UK. [2] Tehran has previously warned London against allowing its bases to be used by the US in operations against Iran, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accusing the UK of putting British lives in danger. [2] Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps declared RAF Fairford a legitimate target after US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers used the base for defensive bombing missions against Iranian military targets. [3]
RAF Fairford's Role in US Operations
RAF Fairford has been used by the US for bombing missions against Iran, with Britain granting permission in March for specific defensive operations to destroy Iranian missiles at source. [2] US bombers and other planes have been seen taking off and landing from the base, which is the only one on Britain's mainland used for this purpose. [2] Residents in the rural Cotswolds area surrounding Fairford reported increased activity and security at the site in recent months. [2] Local MP Roz Savage described the incident as way too close a shave and said it made her blood run cold to think what could have happened without the farmer's quick wits and timely intervention. [2]
Official UK and US Responses
US President Donald Trump stated that the suspects had been under investigation for some time and were looking to do big damage. [2] UK Defence Minister Wes Streeting confirmed that the local farmer had at least a partial picture of the incident while thanking the member of the public who acted quickly. [3] Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced an emergency meeting of top officials to ensure they have the full picture. [2] UK Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said the scene is now safe and residents will be shortly returning home. [2] Britain raised its national terrorism threat level to severe from substantial in April after a series of antisemitic incidents in north London. [4] The US Embassy issued a security alert advising US citizens to exercise caution and be mindful of personal security. [4]
