FAIRFORD, United Kingdom — British counter-terrorism police have released five men on bail after they were arrested near RAF Fairford over suspected explosives and terrorism offences, as investigators examine whether a foreign state may have been involved.
The five, all British nationals in their 20s and from London, were arrested early Sunday after three suspicious white vans were reported near the airbase in Gloucestershire.
Police said the men remain under investigation and have been placed under stringent bail conditions governing their movements and contact with others.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said officers were keeping an open mind and pursuing multiple lines of inquiry.
“This does not mean the investigation is over,” Taylor said, adding that police were examining whether the incident could have involved proxies or individuals knowingly or unknowingly acting on behalf of a foreign state.
Trump Questions Release
US President Donald Trump said he was surprised by the decision to release the suspects on bail.
“I wouldn’t have done that,” Trump said when asked about the development.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said the incident appeared to involve a foreign actor, although US officials have not publicly identified a country responsible.
British authorities have been investigating a possible connection to Iran, while keeping other possibilities open. Iran has denied any involvement and rejected suggestions linking Tehran to the incident as unfounded.
Three Vans Examined
The investigation began after police received reports of three white vans near RAF Fairford early Sunday.
The vehicles were subjected to extensive forensic examination with assistance from military personnel and bomb-disposal specialists.
Local residents reported seeing masked individuals near the vehicles, prompting authorities to establish a security cordon and temporarily evacuate about 85 households in nearby Whelford. Residents were later allowed to return home.
Reports citing sources familiar with the investigation said materials found in the vans were not viable explosives, although authorities have not publicly confirmed the full details of the forensic examination.
RAF Fairford’s Strategic Role
RAF Fairford is a UK-owned base used by the United States for military operations and has hosted US aircraft involved in missions in the Middle East.
The base has attracted increased attention amid the conflict involving Iran and the wider security situation around US military facilities in Britain.
The incident has prompted heightened security measures, while British authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspects and the vehicles.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham also convened an emergency meeting of senior officials following the incident.
