UK Police Probe Foreign State Link in RAF Fairford Plot

British counter-terrorism police are investigating whether individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state were involved in an alleged plot targeting RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by U.S. military bombers.

Five British men from London, all in their early 20s, were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act. Police said Monday that the suspects would be released under strict bail conditions while the investigation continues.

The arrests followed a report from a local farmer who spotted three white vans heading toward RAF Fairford. The base has been used by U.S. bombers involved in operations against Iran, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards previously described the facility as a legitimate target.

Laurence Taylor, head of Britain’s counter-terrorism police, stressed that releasing the suspects on bail did not signal the end of the inquiry. Investigators are examining several possibilities, including whether proxies or individuals knowingly or unknowingly acted for a foreign government.

President Donald Trump said the incident “might be” connected to Iran and questioned the decision to release the suspects. Iran’s embassy in London rejected speculation about Iranian involvement, calling the allegations unfounded.

Police conducted extensive examinations of the three vans with assistance from military personnel and forensic specialists. Authorities also maintained a significant presence around RAF Fairford while examining evidence.

The farmer who contacted emergency services said she saw hooded and masked individuals running into nearby fields. Police imposed a 400-metre cordon around the base, while approximately 85 homes in nearby Whelford were evacuated as explosive ordnance specialists searched the area.

Security has since been increased at other U.S. airbases across Britain, while the U.S. Embassy advised American citizens to remain cautious.

The RAF Fairford investigation comes as Britain remains on its second-highest terrorism threat level. British authorities have also been examining suspected Iranian links to previous incidents targeting Jewish community properties and Iranian dissidents.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a meeting of the government’s emergency response committee as authorities continued investigating the potential RAF Fairford attack.