Security
Counter-Terror Police Investigate Iranian Link to Suspected Bomb Plot at RAF Base
The Guardian · 1 hour ago · Read the Full Story on The Guardian
AI SUMMARY
Counter-terrorism police are investigating a potential Iranian link after five men were arrested when explosives were found in vans near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
- Counter-terrorism police are investigating a suspected bomb plot with a possible link to Iran after armed officers found explosives in three vans parked near RAF Fairford.
- Five men were arrested in the early hours of Sunday in the Whelford area of Gloucestershire following a 999 call from a member of the public.
- The suspects were initially arrested over explosives offences and later detained on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
- The Cotswolds village of Whelford saw 85 households rapidly evacuated to Cirencester leisure centre while army bomb disposal robots examined the vehicles within a 400-metre cordon.
- At least one van carried a fuel company logo and a phone number missing a digit, with the real company firmly rejecting any connection to the incident.
- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning in July stating that any base used for aggression against Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target.
- Investigators and the government are keeping an Iranian motive high in their thinking, though sources warn other motives like jihadism are not being ruled out and the UK threat level remains at severe.
- The UK security services appeared initially unaware of the plot, as police moved only after a resident reported suspicious behavior while driving home.
- US President Donald Trump claimed the suspects had been under view for a long time, although the Guardian understands the operation was not intelligence-led.
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as deeply concerning and cancelled plans to participate in a football match to take calls on the matter.
- RAF Fairford features a 2-mile runway reinforced to support heavy bombers such as the B-1 and B-52, which have been deployed in attacks on Iran.
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