UK Police Baffled as Suspect Calls 999, Foiling Alleged RAF Base Bomb Plot
Five British men arrested near RAF Fairford released on bail as investigations continue into a potential Iran-linked incident.
An alleged bomb plot targeting RAF Fairford, a base utilized by the U.S. military for strikes against Iran, was reportedly foiled when one of the five suspects called emergency services himself. The incident, which led to a major incident declaration and the evacuation of local residents, has raised questions due to the subsequent release of the men on bail within 36 hours.
Armed police responded to a call early Sunday morning reporting suspicious vehicles near the Gloucestershire airbase. Upon arrival, they apprehended five British men, aged between 23 and 25, all from London. Initial concerns included the possibility of suicide vests, leading officers to strip the suspects of their tops. A farmer in the area reported seeing eight to 10 masked individuals moving through fields, which authorities now believe were armed police.
The motive behind one of the suspects contacting 999 is under investigation. Authorities are exploring whether the individual intended to withdraw from the alleged plan or if the call was part of a larger strategy. One line of inquiry suggests the incident may not have been a foiled attack but rather a "stunt" or "calling card" intended to send a message to British and U.S. authorities, with potential links to Iran.
Counter-terrorism police confirmed Tuesday that no explosive devices were found in the suspects' vans. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of UK Counter-Terrorism Policing stated that the decision to release the suspects on bail was an "investigative decision" made with public safety as the priority. He acknowledged that the development might be surprising but assured it was based on experience and careful consideration of police powers.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the incident Tuesday, asserting that the plot "involved the hand of a foreign actor" and mentioning Iran by name. He noted Iran's previous threats against U.S. interests but stopped short of directly blaming Tehran. Iran's embassy in London has categorically denied any involvement, dismissing the reports as "unfounded and malicious speculations" and warning of potential legal measures against misleading narratives.
Investigators are considering whether the men's actions meet the threshold for the National Security Act, which could carry a sentence of up to 14 years for plotting an attack on behalf of a foreign country, even if ignorance is claimed. The five suspects, identified as a 24-year-old from Camden and a 23-year-old, two 24-year-olds, and a 25-year-old, all from Westminster, are due to answer bail at a date yet to be confirmed.
Residents evacuated from approximately 85 households near the base were permitted to return home on Monday. Roadblocks were expected to be fully lifted by Wednesday. Searches of the suspects' London homes have concluded.
