OMM Redaksiyası
British counterterrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old British-Iranian dual national as part of an investigation into an alleged plot linked to RAF Fairford. The military airbase is being used by US forces for operations against Iran.
New arrest in investigation
Police said the suspect was arrested in London on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. A 26-year-old British national was also interviewed under caution, and officers searched two addresses in the capital.
Before this, five British men in their 20s were arrested on Sunday near RAF Fairford in western England on suspicion of terrorism and explosives-related offences. They were later released on police bail without charge and remain subject to strict conditions while the investigation continues.
Police are examining several possible explanations for the incident, including the potential involvement of a foreign state. Andy Burnham said on Wednesday there were indications of a possible link to Iran. Iran has called the allegations baseless and summoned Britain’s ambassador in Tehran to the Foreign Ministry on Thursday over the matter.
Police examine possible foreign-state role
Vicky Evans, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing’s national coordination unit, described the investigation as highly complex. In a statement, she said specialist teams were pursuing multiple lines of inquiry into events in Gloucestershire and that all possibilities, including potential foreign-state involvement, were being considered.
Police launched a major operation early on Sunday after receiving various reports. One came from a local farmer, who said he had seen people with three vans near the airbase and found them suspicious. The Times reported that one of the suspects contacted emergency services shortly before the arrests.
Investigators later confirmed that petrol had been found in vans linked to the group. They said, however, that no improvised explosive device had been discovered.
RAF Fairford’s role in US operations
The investigation has drawn international attention because RAF Fairford has been used in recent US military operations against Iran. In recent months, US bombers have flown missions targeting Iran from the base in Gloucestershire.
Burnham said Britain was working closely with the United States on the investigation. US President Donald Trump criticised the release on bail of the five people initially arrested. British police have stressed that they remain under investigation and must comply with strict conditions.
Trump previously said the suspects had intended to cause “great harm”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a “foreign actor” was involved in the incident.
British police have not publicly attributed responsibility for the incident to anyone. The circumstances and possible involvement of a foreign state remain under investigation.
