A UK investigation into a suspected bomb plot at an airbase used by the United States was shrouded in confusion on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Police were called to the Royal Air Force Fairford base in southwest England on Sunday after a resident reported seeing several vans "acting suspiciously". This led to the evacuation of a nearby village and the declaration of a "major incident".
According to National Counter Terrorism Policing head Laurence Taylor, the vehicles were subject to extensive examination, and no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered. The incident sparked speculation about the intentions of the five London-based Britons arrested early Sunday on explosives and terror offences, who were released on bail on Monday.
The release of the suspects on bail was met with criticism from Washington, with US President Donald Trump expressing surprise at the decision. Trump stated that he wouldn't have granted bail to the suspects, while his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, alleged that a "foreign actor" was involved in the plot.
The airbase, used by the US military to launch strikes on Iran, had its security heightened recently. Britain gave Washington permission in March to use Fairford for "specific defensive operations into Iran" to destroy Iranian missiles at source. US bombers and other planes have since been seen taking off and landing from the base.
The five men, all London residents in their mid-20s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and "suspicion of preparing a terrorist act" under anti-terror laws. They remain under investigation and must adhere to strict conditions while police continue their work. Aerial footage of the vans showed they appeared to contain barrels, and at least one was marked with a fake logo and phone number.
The incident forced 85 homes in a nearby village to be evacuated, with many residents having to stay elsewhere for at least one night. A resident in the neighbouring village of Kempsford, Patricia, 60, described the incident as "very embarrassing" and a "lot of noise for nothing".
As police hoped to stand down investigative operations on Wednesday, they had searched homes in London. The scare has lent credibility to theories that the men could be fuel thieves, amid rising energy prices in the UK. This incident follows a previous security breach at a British military camp, where intruders cut through a fence to steal fuel from a tanker.
Key points
- Police found a quantity of petrol in vehicles near RAF Fairford airbase but no explosives.
- Five London-based Britons were arrested and later released on bail on suspicion of explosives and terror offences.
- The incident has sparked speculation about the intentions of the suspects and potential involvement of a foreign actor.
