Gloucestershire, England: Five men arrested near RAF Fairford, a British air base that hosts US Air Force bombers, have been released on police bail while counter-terrorism officers continue their investigation. The arrests drew an immediate reaction from US President Donald Trump, whose account of the operation differs from details that have since emerged.
What Happened
Armed police stopped three vans in the early hours of Sunday, September 27, and arrested five men at around 12:45 am in Whelford, a village beside the airfield. They were initially held on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and later re-arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Police evacuated nearby homes and set up a cordon while bomb disposal teams examined the vehicles.
On Monday, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the five men were being released on police bail following extensive interviews and inquiries. Police have identified them only as UK nationals.
Trump's Remarks
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump praised the response as "fantastic" and said the suspects were "looking to do big damage to our fort." He added: "We had them under investigation. We had them under view for a long time, and we got them."
A Local Resident's Call
A local farmer told the BBC that she called police late on Saturday night after coming across three white vans blocking a road near the base. She said her car's headlights lit up a group of hooded and masked men who panicked and fled into nearby woods. Neither British police nor US officials have publicly confirmed whether the suspects were under surveillance before that call.
Investigation and Motive
Counter-terrorism police say their investigation includes whether the suspects may have been acting on behalf of a foreign state. Iran's embassy in the UK has denied any connection to the men. No motive or specific plan has been officially confirmed. RAF Fairford has been used as a launch point for US operations against Iran in recent months, and the US Embassy in London has advised Americans in Britain to exercise caution.
Sources
BBC, TheJournal.ie, Military.com, Fox News, The Statesman, IBTimes UK.
Latest Development
As of September 29, the five men remain on police bail and no charges have been announced. The investigation is ongoing. This story will be updated.