Five British nationals arrested near the Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford base in southern England on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack have been released on bail, but remain under active investigation, UK counterterrorism police confirmed on Monday.
The men, all aged between 23 and 25 and from London, were detained on Sunday after a farmer reported seeing three vans parked near the base in the early hours. The arrests came amid heightened security concerns over the US military's use of the base for operations against Iran.
Laurence Taylor, head of UK counterterrorism policing, told reporters that the men's release was "subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others" as detectives continue their inquiry. He emphasized that investigators are examining the incident "from every possible angle, including that this may be actively committed by proxies or individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly, working on behalf of a foreign state."
Taylor declined to confirm whether explosives were discovered in the vehicles and did not take questions, leaving key details unresolved. The incident began at approximately 12:45 a.m. local time when a farmer alerted police to three suspicious vans. The farmer, who asked not to be named, told local media she saw a "large group of men", some with faces covered, who fled when she approached. Army bomb disposal experts used a robot to inspect the vans, though authorities have not disclosed what, if anything, was found.
The case took a political turn when President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters later on Sunday, contradicted British police by claiming the suspects had been "under view for a long time" and intended to do "big damage" to the air base. His remarks drew criticism from UK officials who urged caution while the investigation was ongoing.
Iran has denied any involvement, with its embassy in London issuing a statement that it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations" surrounding the incident. The denial comes as Tehran has repeatedly threatened countries that support US and Israeli military action against it.
RAF Fairford has served as a staging point for B-52 and B-1 bomber missions targeting Iran since the US-led campaign began in February. The base's strategic importance has made it a potential flashpoint, with European security services on high alert for Iranian-linked attacks. As political tensions escalate across the continent, the handling of this case is being closely watched.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not ruled out further arrests. The release on bail marks a significant development, but the men could face charges if evidence emerges linking them to a plot. The case also underscores the complex security challenges posed by foreign state interference, a theme that has drawn attention amid continued US-Iran confrontation.
As the probe continues, questions remain about the nature of the suspected plot and the potential role of external actors. The UK's counterterrorism apparatus is now under pressure to deliver answers while managing diplomatic sensitivities with Washington and Tehran.
