Key facts
- Five UK nationals, aged 23-25, were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of terrorism offenses.
- The men were released on police bail with stringent conditions on movement and contact.
- Counter-Terrorism Policing is exploring multiple lines of inquiry, including foreign state involvement.
- Iran's embassy in London condemned speculation linking the country to the incident.
- RAF Fairford has been used by US bombers for strikes on the Middle East, and Iran previously warned it could be a legitimate target.
Five men arrested in connection with a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire have been released on police bail, counter-terrorism police announced. The men, all UK nationals aged between 23 and 25, were initially detained on suspicion of explosives offenses before being further arrested for preparation of a terrorist act. They have been released under stringent bail conditions.
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) stated that officers are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including the possibility that proxies or individuals working on behalf of a foreign state were involved. The incident led to the declaration of a major incident and the evacuation of dozens of homes after three suspicious vehicles were reported near the airbase early Sunday morning.
The Iranian embassy in London has strongly condemned any speculation linking Iran to the incident, calling the suggestions unfounded and malicious. The embassy stated that Iran reserves the right to take legal measures to safeguard its rights and interests in response to misleading media narratives. Iran had previously warned in July that any base used for aggression against its territory would be a legitimate target, specifically naming RAF Fairford.
US President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the men's release on bail, stating that under US surveillance practices, they would not have been released. Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a Cobra meeting to discuss the situation. A cordon remains in place around the three vehicles, and airspace restrictions are in effect above the base.