Five suspects in RAF Fairford terrorism investigation released on bail
publishers 56articles 62first reported 27 Sep, 14:15 UTCdeveloping since 27 Sep · 5 editionstop 25 #17
British counterterrorism police said Monday that five men arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of explosives offenses and preparing a terrorist act would be released on bail under strict conditions while the investigation continues.
The five British nationals, ages 23 to 25 and from the London area, were detained early Sunday after police received a report of suspicious vehicles near the airbase in western England. Three white vans were examined by bomb-disposal specialists, and residents of 85 homes in nearby Whelford were evacuated. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said Monday afternoon that the scene was safe and residents would soon be allowed to return.
RAF Fairford is owned by the United Kingdom and used by the U.S. Air Force, including for missions involving long-range bombers. Police said they were considering all possible explanations, including whether the suspects knowingly or unknowingly acted on behalf of a foreign state. Investigators have not concluded that the incident was state-backed, and possible links to Iran, Russia and non-state militant groups are among the lines of inquiry, NPR reported.
Iran’s embassy in London denied involvement and condemned speculation connecting Tehran to the arrests. British officials also cautioned against speculation while investigators establish the facts.
U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. and British authorities had monitored the suspects for some time, but British police said the arrests followed a late-night report of suspicious vehicles and have not confirmed Trump’s account.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 4 with the publisher's own text; 7 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 24 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 56
- Source articles
- 62
- Given to the writer
- 8, 4 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 7
- This version written
- 24 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
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- Human review
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