British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. The arrest is linked to an incident near RAF Fairford in western England, where five British men in their 20s were arrested on Sunday on suspected terrorism and explosive offences. The men were later released without charge on police bail. The incident triggered a huge police response and raised alarm among Western allies.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the events in Gloucestershire is complex, with multiple lines of enquiry being pursued. Britain's Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, said specialist teams are interrogating all possible angles, including possible foreign state involvement. The police launched a massive operation on Sunday due to a range of information, including an alert from a local farmer who became suspicious of the men near the base in three vans.
The men had been seen near RAF Fairford, which has been used by US bombers to launch missions against Iran in recent months. US President Donald Trump said he would not have released the men, who police said were only freed under stringent conditions. Trump previously said those involved had planned "big damage". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also pointed to the "hands of a foreign actor" in the incident.
Iran has denied involvement in the incident, with the country's foreign ministry summoning the British ambassador in Tehran over the issue. Iran's foreign ministry said accusations it was involved were baseless. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday that the incident might have had an Iranian link. The UK government is working closely with the US to investigate the incident.
A second British man, 26, has been questioned under caution, and searches were carried out at two properties. The police have confirmed that although petrol was found in the vans used by the men, no improvised explosive device was present. Detectives are still investigating how the men accessed the area and their intentions.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of RAF Fairford and the potential for foreign involvement in terrorist plots. The UK government has emphasized its commitment to working with international partners to prevent terrorist attacks. The investigation is ongoing, with police appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
The arrest of the dual UK-Iranian national is the latest development in the investigation into the RAF Fairford incident. The police have confirmed that the investigation is complex and involves multiple lines of enquiry. The UK government has urged calm and emphasized its commitment to keeping the public safe.
Key points
- British police arrest dual UK-Iranian national over suspected plot involving US airbase used to target Iran
- Investigation into RAF Fairford incident complex, with multiple lines of enquiry being pursued
- Iran denies involvement in incident, with UK government working closely with US to investigate
