A UK investigation into a suspected bomb plot at an airbase used by the United States was mired in confusion on Tuesday, after media reports indicated that no explosives were detected in vehicles seized nearby. The incident occurred at the Royal Air Force Fairford base in Southwest England, which is used by US planes to bomb targets in Iran.
Three white vans were discovered near the base on Sunday, prompting the detention of five men, all London-based Britons in their mid-20s. Armed police and military personnel conducted an extensive examination of the vehicles, with the help of forensic experts. However, police have not disclosed their findings, fueling speculation and uncertainty about the incident.
The five men arrested near the airbase were released on bail on Monday, despite US President Donald Trump expressing surprise at the decision. Trump stated that he "wouldn't have done that," implying that he would have taken a more cautious approach. The head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, insisted that the men "absolutely remain under investigation" and that his officers were keeping an "open mind" about the incident.
The incident has sparked different theories, with some media reporting allegations that the men could have been fuel thieves. Aerial footage of the vans showed that they appeared to contain barrels, and at least one was marked with a fake logo and phone number, giving the false impression that it was owned by a legitimate diesel delivery firm. The legitimate firm has denied any connection to the individuals involved.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the incident as "a very serious situation … that clearly involves the hand of a foreign actor," but declined to provide further details. Iran's embassy in London has categorically rejected and strongly condemned speculation that Tehran was involved in the incident. The UK and US are investigating the suspects, with Trump stating that they "were looking to do big damage to our fort."
The security scare became public after a farmer living in the village of Whelford near the airbase rang police, reporting the three vans blocking a road and a group of masked men fleeing the scene. The incident has raised concerns about the security of the airbase, which was granted permission in March for the US to use for "specific defensive operations into Iran."
The lack of clarity over the weekend incident has left many questions unanswered, with residents expressing frustration and confusion. A resident in the neighbouring village of Kempsford, Patricia, 60, told AFP that it was "very embarrassing that people around the world thought it was a terrorist attack but in the end no — it’s a lot of noise for nothing."
Key points
- The UK investigation into the suspected bomb plot at the Royal Air Force Fairford base found no evidence of explosives in the vehicles seized.
- The five men arrested near the airbase were released on bail, despite US President Donald Trump expressing surprise at the decision.
- The incident has sparked speculation about the involvement of a foreign actor, with Iran's embassy in London rejecting any connection to the incident.
