A 25-year-old UK-Iranian dual national arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts in connection with an incident at RAF Fairford has been released on bail. He was detained on Thursday in Westminster, London, where counter-terror police have now completed searches at two properties. Five other men in their twenties, all UK nationals from London, were arrested near the Gloucestershire airbase last weekend and have also been released on bail.
According to Counter Terrorism Policing, no improvised explosive devices were found in the vehicles involved, though a quantity of petrol was recovered. All those released remain under investigation with strict conditions imposed on their movement and contact with others.
What triggered the initial incident?
A major incident was declared last weekend after police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford, a military airbase operated by the US Air Force. Dozens of homes were evacuated as a precaution. One of the men arrested had dialled 999 himself approximately an hour before a local farmer alerted police to a large group of masked men near the vehicles. The five men were arrested in the early hours of the morning on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
What is the scope of the investigation?
Counter-terror police are examining multiple lines of inquiry into the incident. Vicki Evans, the national coordinator for counter-terror policing, described the investigation as "hugely complex" and stated that investigators are considering "all possible angles - including foreign state involvement" as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident at the RAF base.
The prime minister, Andy Burnham, has said there were "strong indications" Iran played a part in the incident. On Thursday, the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, claimed Israel handed Britain intelligence about the suspected terror plot, saying his country warned UK authorities about the "Iranian-sponsored attack" shortly before Britain's announcement of a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Why is RAF Fairford significant?
RAF Fairford has been used in recent months by US bombers after former prime minister Keir Starmer granted Washington permission to use British bases for "defensive" strikes against Tehran. The airbase's role in US military operations provides context for the security concerns that prompted the major incident declaration.
What happens next?
Police are continuing their investigation and have appealed for information via gov.uk/ACT or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. The status of those on bail will be reviewed as the investigation progresses.
