Five men have been arrested as counter-terrorism detectives investigate whether Iran was behind a suspected car-bomb plot targeting US troops at RAF Fairford.
Counter-terrorism investigators are examining whether Iran orchestrated a suspected car-bomb conspiracy targeting an RAF base
Armed police detained five individuals, observed travelling in three vehicles, following an apparent alert from a courageous member of the public.
However, President Donald Trump cautioned the suspected plotters intended to inflict “big damage”, stating they had been “under investigation” for “a long time”.
Scotland Yard and MI5, working alongside American intelligence operatives, were yesterday evening attempting to establish whether Tehran masterminded the plot to murder American personnel stationed at RAF Fairford. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared in July it would not permit US bombers to operate from Fairford, stating any base used to launch strikes would be a legitimate target.
The five suspects were originally detained on suspicion of “committing offences under the Explosives Act”. They were subsequently re-arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act.
The individuals were stripped to their torsos over concerns they might also have been wearing suicide vests, reports the Express.
The five suspects were originally detained on suspicion of “committing offences under the Explosives Act”. They were subsequently re-arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act.
The individuals were stripped to their torsos over concerns they might also have been wearing suicide vests. A police source informed the Daily Express: “This was intelligence led policing, pure and simple. There has been a lot of covert activity in the background.”
Explosive ordnance disposal specialists were sent to inspect the devices discovered in the three vehicles, with approximately 85 households relocated from their properties to a neighbouring leisure facility during the high-stakes operation.
A remotely operated device from the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal unit manoeuvred between the three stationary vehicles, with what looked to be substantial black containers positioned outside the van.
Detectives are investigating multiple potential explanations, including whether the group was executing instructions on behalf of Tehran or Moscow, or whether it constituted an Islamist terror conspiracy.
President Trump stated: “We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort. We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.”
RAF Fairford had served as a launching point for US long-range bomber aircraft during military engagements in Iran. A frightened local resident in Whelford, Gloucestershire, contacted authorities after observing a “large group of hooded and ‘balaclava’d’ men” near the military installation during the early hours of Sunday morning.
The farmer, who requested anonymity, stated: “I saw a group of Middle Eastern-looking young guys running off through the trees. Some of them had masks or balaclavas on, and they all scattered ahead of us as we drove back past.
“Some of them ran into the fields, and some of them turned to run towards the air base. We realised this was something pretty serious.
“We knew the air base had a credible threat of a terrorist attack before last night. So as soon as I saw them I was worried.”
The resident also suggested police and intelligence agencies may have been in possession of vital information beforehand.
She said: “We thought something was going on as they had housed B1 bombers at the base until earlier this week when they were moved. And then suddenly they started blocking entrances to the air base.
“They started blocking those with diggers and tractors and things early in the week, which seems a bit Dad’s Army to be honest.
“By Friday they had sent all their civilian staff home, and then because this is a small village, we started noticing people who weren’t local and the suspicion was they were plain clothes police of some kind. We all knew something unusual was going on.”
She added: “A plucky amateur shouldn’t be spotting an unusual bit of activity at 1am when the air base is on high alert. I think it’s absolutely astonishing.”
One of the vehicles inspected by bomb-disposal units was marked with “FUEL 2YOU” on the side in red lettering, along with a telephone number.
However, there is virtually no public trace of such a firm. A business with a comparable name, Fuel 2U, confirmed to the Daily Express that they owned two vans, and both were at their depot in London.
It raises the possibility that the alleged attackers were attempting to remain inconspicuous by masquerading as a fuel delivery firm. The firm released a statement saying: “We want to make it absolutely clear that neither the vehicle nor any of the individuals involved has any connection whatsoever with Fuel2U, its directors, employees or current business operations.
“We are extremely concerned that our company’s name has been used without our knowledge or permission.
“We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and will assist them with any enquiries.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham admitted the “incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country.”
He added: “The safety and security of the public is our first priority, and I want people to know that we will always take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep our country safe. The investigation remains ongoing, and I would urge people not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts.”
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