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Suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford

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2026-09-29 06:36 UTC → 2026-09-29 06:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

British counter-terrorism police arrested five British men in their 20s following a major incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The investigation was triggered by reports of three suspicious white vans and a group of masked men moving toward the airbase, which is used by the United States military for strategic operations, including bombers used in operations against Iran. The suspects, London residents aged 23 to 25, were initially detained on suspicion of explosives-related offenses and later re-arrested for suspected preparation of a terrorist act. Although tests indicated that materials found in the vehicles were not viable explosives, described by investigators as ‘useless explosives’, the investigation remains ongoing. The five suspects have been released on strict bail subject to stringent movement and contact conditions. During the incident, 85 households in the nearby village of Welford were evacuated as a precaution. Authorities are exploring whether the individuals were acting as proxies for a foreign state or non-state militant groups. While investigators have looked into potential links to Iran, the Iranian Embassy in London has rejected any involvement, calling the claims ‘unfounded and malicious speculations.’ U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the decision to release the suspects on bail, stating, ‘I would not have done that,’ and claiming the suspects intended to cause ‘great damage.’ Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that a ‘foreign actor’ was clearly involved in the alleged plot, though he did not provide specific details. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has convened a COBRA meeting to manage the national emergency response.

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