British-Iranian man detained in terrorism probe linked to RAF Fairford incident
A 25-year-old dual British-Iranian citizen was arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts as part of a counter-terrorism investigation into a recent incident at RAF Fairford.
U.K. counter-terrorism police arrested a 25-year-old British-Iranian man in London on Thursday, charging him under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 with preparing terrorist acts tied to an investigation of events at RAF Fairford. A second suspect, a 26-year-old British national, was questioned under caution, and police searched two properties connected to the case.
"The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of inquiry," said Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing. "As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement. I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and patience whilst we work through this investigation."
Earlier, five London-based British nationals were detained after reports of suspicious vehicles near the airbase, which is used by the U.S. Air Force. They were initially charged under the Explosives Act and later with preparing a terrorist act; they have been released on bail pending further inquiry.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC that Britain believes Iran played a role in the incident. Earlier this year, the United Kingdom authorized the U.S. Air Force to use RAF Fairford for defensive strikes against Iran, a move the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned could make British bases legitimate targets.