UK Police Release Bail for 5 Suspects in Alleged Plot Near US Air Base After Explosives Found to Be Non-Viable

Five British nationals arrested near a U.S.-used air base in the United Kingdom have been released on bail following an investigation into an alleged terror plot. Police confirmed that materials discovered in the suspects' vans were not viable explosives.

The suspects, all between the ages of 23 and 25 and residing in London, were apprehended early Sunday morning. The location of their arrest was near Royal Air Force Fairford, a facility approximately 90 miles southwest of London that is utilized by the U.S. for operations in the Middle East. Testing of the seized items has since revealed they did not contain explosive materials, according to law enforcement sources.

Authorities were alerted by a local farmer who observed three suspicious white vans on a country lane close to the air base. The farmer noted that the lettering and phone numbers on the vans appeared to be fake. Subsequently, she reported seeing several men, described as appearing to be of Middle Eastern descent, scattering and fleeing across fields toward the base.

Armed police responded to the incident, and a photograph showed the five men in handcuffs, seated on the ground, with armed officers present. The initial apprehension involved precautions taken due to fears of possible suicide vests.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Britain's top counter-terrorism officer, announced the release of the suspects on Monday. However, he emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that authorities are exploring the possibility of involvement from a hostile state, such as Iran. "To be very clear, this does not mean that the investigation is over," Taylor stated at a press conference in London. "They are subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others. They absolutely remain under investigation as we explore multiple lines of enquiry."

Iran has issued a statement on Monday, categorically rejecting any involvement in the alleged plot. The Iranian embassy in London described any attempts to link Tehran to the arrests as "unfounded and malicious speculations." The statement further warned of potential legal action if necessary, asserting that such claims fuel "Iranophobia propaganda."

RAF Fairford, known for its extensive runway that supports heavy bombers, was chosen by the U.S. for long-range missions. In the wake of the arrests, all 85 homes in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated as a cordon was established around the three vehicles. President Donald Trump had previously commented on the incident, stating that the suspects had been on U.S. watchlists for some time.