British police investigate if arrests near U.S. air base foiled an Iran-linked attack
British police are investigating five men arrested near a U.S. air base in England after suspected explosives were discovered. Authorities are exploring potential links to state-backed actors, including Iran or Russia, though no formal conclusions have been reached.
Why it matters
The incident highlights heightened security concerns regarding potential state-sponsored sabotage or terrorism against Western military infrastructure.
FAIRFORD, England — Police were holding five men on Monday and examining suspected explosives found near a U.S.-operated air force base in England, as counterterror detectives investigated whether the arrests foiled an attempted attack linked to Iran.
The men were detained early Sunday after three vans were spotted near RAF Fairford, a U.K.-owned base that has been used by American bombers during decades of conflicts in the Middle East.
Investigators have not concluded whether the incident is a state-backed attack. They are investigating a possible link to Iran, Russia or non-state-backed militant groups. RAF Fairford has also been the focus of protests by anti-war campaigners.
The five suspects, who have not been named, were initially held over suspected explosives offenses, and later also arrested on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism. Police can hold them for up to 14 days before they must be charged or released.
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