Counter-terrorism police question five suspects over alleged bomb plot at UK airbase linked to US Iran operations, with a village evacuated.
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British counter-terrorism officers are questioning five men arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, a Royal Air Force base that has been used by the US military to conduct strikes against Iran. The men were detained on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act and explosives offences. A village situated under a mile from the base was ordered to evacuate on Sunday as the investigation continues.
A farmer who raised the alarm told The National that civilian staff at the base had been withdrawn days before the incident. He reported seeing three suspicious vans travelling towards the base early on Sunday morning while returning from a party. "The last thing you expect," said a local resident, reflecting the shock in the community.
UK counter-terrorism police are understood to be investigating a potential link with Iran following the alleged bomb threat, per CNBC. The investigation remains active with officers continuing to question the five detained men.
The incident marks a significant security concern at a strategically important base. RAF Fairford has served as a launch point for US operations in the Middle East, including strikes on Iranian targets. Authorities have not confirmed the specific nature of the plot or any confirmed Iran connection.
Sources: 1.