No explosives found after arrests near a U.S.-run military base, British police say
British counterterrorism police have released five men arrested near a U.S. air base on suspicion of explosives offenses, stating that no explosives were found. The decision has drawn international attention and questions from U.S. officials regarding potential foreign involvement.
Why it matters
The incident highlights heightened security tensions at U.S. military installations abroad and the complexities of international counterterrorism cooperation.
A B‑1B Lancer bomber arrives at RAF Fairford air base, after police declared a major incident at the base and arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, who have since been released on bail, in Fairford, Britain, Tuesday. Toby Shepheard/Reuters
A surprise decision by the U.K.’s counterterrorism police to release five suspects on bail during an investigation into a suspected bomb plot at a U.S.-operated air force base in England has deepened questions and uncertainty about the incident.
Police confirmed Tuesday that no explosives were found in three vans linked to the suspects, and said the decision to grant bail was grounded in “experience and strategy.”
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that he was surprised the five young British men who were arrested Sunday on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near the RAF Fairford base were freed a day later.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in