Five suspects released on bail after alleged plot against RAF Fairford
UK police released five men on bail following arrests over a suspected terror plot targeting the U.S. air base at RAF Fairford, while investigations continue into possible foreign state involvement.
British police released five men on bail on Monday after they were arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack on the U.S. air base at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said the inquiry remains open and includes the possibility that the plot could have been carried out by proxies or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state.
The arrests followed a report from a local farmer who called police after seeing three white vans and a group of hooded men near the base late on Sunday. The farmer said the men fled into nearby woods when illuminated by her vehicle's headlights.
Taylor did not provide further details about the suspects, other than confirming they are UK nationals.
Defense Secretary Wes Streeting thanked the member of the public for the prompt call, noting that the information provided was only a partial picture and that operational security limits further comment.
Iran’s embassy in London issued a statement denying any link between the suspects and Iran, describing claims of involvement as unfounded and harmful to Iran’s reputation.