No Explosives Found in Vans Near RAF Fairford, Police Confirm

Counter terrorism police have confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were discovered in three vans near RAF Fairford, a base utilized by the U.S. military. A quantity of petrol was recovered from the vehicles, authorities stated.

Five British nationals, aged between 23 and 25, were detained on Sunday morning in connection with the incident on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses. They have since been released on bail.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of UK counter-terrorism policing described the bail decision as an "investigative decision" based on "experience and careful consideration of policing powers." He assured that public safety remained the "forefront" of decision-making.

The alert was activated early Sunday following a member of the public's report of suspicious vehicles near the Gloucestershire base. Extensive examinations of the vehicles, supported by military assets and forensic experts, yielded no explosives.

Residents from approximately 85 evacuated households were permitted to return to their homes on Monday. Police cordons near the base are expected to be fully lifted by Wednesday. Searches of the five suspects' London homes have been completed.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the events, suggesting the plot "involved the hand of a foreign actor" and mentioning Iran's past threats against U.S. interests. He stopped short of directly accusing Tehran but noted that the possibility of Iranian involvement was being considered by British investigators. Iran has categorically denied any participation in the alleged plot.

Rubio referred to the incident as a "very serious situation" and commended the cooperation of British authorities, while also acknowledging public concern over the bail decision for the five suspects.