UK Releases UK-Iranian National on Bail After Suspected RAF Fairford Terror Plot Most Dangerous Countries

A dual UK-Iranian national arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts in connection with an incident at RAF Fairford air base has been released on bail, as counter-terrorism police continue investigating possible foreign state involvement in what some observers link to tensions among most dangerous countries. The 25-year-old man was detained on Thursday over the incident last weekend involving the RAF Fairford base in western England from where US bombers have taken part in raids against targets in Iran. [4] Police confirmed he had now been released, and searches at two properties in London had concluded. [4] The investigation into the circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is continuing. [5]

UK-Iranian National Released on Bail

British counter-terrorism police investigating a suspected plot involving an air base used by the US said on Saturday they had released on bail a dual UK-Iranian national who had been arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. [4] The 25-year-old man was detained on Thursday over the incident last weekend involving the RAF Fairford base in western England from where US bombers have taken part in raids against targets in Iran. [4] Police confirmed he had now been released, and searches at two properties in London had concluded. [4] A dual U.K.-Iranian national arrested on suspicion of plotting a terror attack following a security incident at a U.S.-run military air base in England has been released on bail, authorities said Saturday. [2] The 25-year-old was arrested in central London on Thursday on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts as part of an investigation into the events Sunday near RAF Fairford in southwest England. [5]

Initial Arrests Near the Air Base

The incident near Fairford began in the early hours of last Sunday when five British men in their 20s were arrested near three vans on suspected terrorism and explosive offences. [4] The men were later released without charge on police bail under stringent conditions, and although detectives said petrol was found in the vans, no improvised explosive device was present. [4] Five other men who were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences on Sunday near the airbase in Gloucestershire were also released on bail earlier this week. [5] Police were called to the base early on Sunday over reports that suspicious white vans were heading towards the base, triggering an evacuation of the nearby village and the declaration of a major incident. [5] Days later, police said no explosives were found at the scene. [5]

Official Statements on Possible Iranian Link

Counter-terrorism police, who have described the investigation as complex, said they were considering whether a foreign state had been involved and Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday it might have had an Iranian link. [4] UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there were strong indications that Iran played a part in the incident, which Tehran has rejected. [5] US President Donald Trump has said there was a plan to cause big damage at the air base, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also pointed to the hands of a foreign actor in the incident. [4] Washington has further muddied waters by criticising the release of the suspects on bail and declaring hostile state involvement early in the investigation. [5]

Iran's Response and Ongoing Investigation Most Dangerous Countries

Iran has said accusations it was involved were baseless and on Thursday summoned the British ambassador in Tehran over the issue. [4] The investigation into the circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is continuing, police said in the update Saturday. [5] British counter-terrorism police investigating a suspected plot involving an air base used by the US said on Saturday they had released on bail a dual UK-Iranian national who had been arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. [4] The source and nature of the threat near the airbase used by the US military in its war against Iran have remained shrouded in mystery. [5]

Separate Iranian Men Charged in Bomb Plot

2 Iranian men charged over alleged bomb plot to target UK Jewish community appear in court. [1] 2 Iranian men charged over alleged bomb plot to target UK Jewish community appear in court. [1]

What to watch next: The investigation into the circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is continuing.