UK cites indications of Iranian role in RAF Fairford security incident
publishers 95articles 116first reported 27 Sep, 14:15 UTCdeveloping since 27 Sep · 22 editions
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Wednesday that authorities had “strong indications” Iran played a role in a security incident near RAF Fairford, a U.S.-operated air base in western England. Iran has categorically denied involvement.
Five British men in their 20s were arrested Sunday on suspicion of explosives offenses and planning an act of terrorism after they and three vans were found near the base’s perimeter late at night. Police said gasoline was discovered in the vehicles but no explosives. The men were released on bail Monday and remain under investigation.
Burnham did not provide details about what the men were suspected of planning or the basis for a possible link to Iran. He described the investigation as “complex and serious” and said British authorities were working closely with U.S. officials.
British counterterrorism chief Laurence Taylor said investigators were examining whether the suspected offenses involved proxies or people knowingly or unknowingly acting for a foreign state. He said the decision to release the suspects on bail was based on police “experience and strategy.”
U.S. President Donald Trump said he was surprised by the bail decision and suggested the incident might be linked to Iran. RAF Fairford has been used by U.S. bombers in strikes against Iran during this year’s war.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 1 with the publisher's own text; 7 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 84 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 95
- Source articles
- 116
- Given to the writer
- 8, 1 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 7
- This version written
- 84 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
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