British investigators are examining whether Iran had a role in a suspected terrorist operation targeting the US Air Force station at RAF Fairford. Five British men remain in custody as the probe continues, according to The Zioneer.
On Monday, British investigators are examining whether Iran directed or supported a suspected terrorist attack targeting the US Air Force station at RAF Fairford, according to reports reviewed by The Zioneer. Five British men remain in custody as the inquiry continues.
The investigation follows Sunday's foiling of a major bomb plot near the base, first reported by The Zioneer at 10:34 Jerusalem. A local farmer's midnight discovery led to the arrest of five British men of Mediterranean origin and the seizure of three vans laden with explosives near the base. Eighty-five homes were evacuated in the police and military response. Counterterrorism officials at the time confirmed a 'strong Iranian fingerprint' in the operation, and police later stated all suspects are British citizens.
As The Zioneer previously reported, the Iranian regime has explicitly threatened retaliation against British bases hosting US forces. In July, Iranian officials warned that Britain would face consequences for allegedly permitting US aircraft to operate from its bases, and the IRGC identified RAF Fairford as a legitimate target. The base serves as a strategic forward operating location for US long-range strategic bombers.
It remains unclear whether the five detainees had direct contact with Iranian operatives or whether the plot was directed or inspired from Tehran. The UK has not issued an official statement specifying the nature of the Iranian connection being probed, and the suspects' specific roles have not been detailed.
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Source and signal
- Open-source intake