Sixth Suspect in RAF Fairford Terror Plot Released on Bail
A dual UK-Iranian national arrested in London has been released following searches related to a suspected terror plot at a UK airbase used by the US military.
The sixth suspect connected to an alleged terror plot at the RAF Fairford base in England has been released on bail, British counterterrorism police announced Saturday. The individual, a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national, was arrested Thursday in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
Police conducted searches at two properties in London as part of the investigation. The arrest and subsequent release on bail occurred in connection with a suspected plot that emerged last month. Authorities stated that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is ongoing.
Earlier, five British nationals, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested on September 27 and released the following day. They were taken into custody after police found three vans containing what were described as "not viable" explosives near the base. RAF Fairford is utilized by the U.S. military.
Sources have suggested Iran as the most likely origin of the plot, noting that Iran had previously threatened action against the base, which has been used for U.S. operations during conflicts. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, expressing surprise at the release of the suspects and stating that he would not have released them if they had been under surveillance. Newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated strong indications of Iranian involvement, though Iran has denied any connection to the incident.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the alleged plot as a "very serious situation" that clearly involved a foreign actor.