Five individuals detained in connection with an alleged plot targeting an RAF base were released on bail on 28 September, approximately one day after counter-terrorism officers carried out the operation to apprehend them. Two of those arrested held British citizenship, were both in their twenties, and were from London; they were detained on suspicion of offences relating to explosives and terrorism.
Police officers detained the group near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Sunday, following a report from a local farmer who had noticed unusual activity in the area. The individuals were released on bail after laboratory analysis of materials recovered from three vehicles near the facility indicated the substances were not capable of functioning as explosives. Counter-terrorism officers confirmed the bail was subject to stringent conditions and that the investigation remained ongoing.
The facility had previously supported air operations connected to Iran, prompting questions about whether it may have been targeted by allied militant groups acting on Tehran's behalf. Heightened security measures at the facility had reportedly been observed in the days prior to the arrests.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a broadcaster that the incident appeared to bear the hallmarks of foreign involvement. Counter-terror officers stated they were examining all possible lines of inquiry, including whether those implicated had acted on behalf of another state. No confirmation has been made, and Iranian authorities have categorically rejected any suggestion of their involvement.
A broadcast interview with former MI6 officer Christopher Steele included claims that state-backed groups were enlisting people with prior convictions via digital platforms to carry out what he described as covert physical operations domestically.
The five individuals were released after approximately 24 hours of questioning. Former US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he would have advised against granting bail to the individuals involved, saying: "I wouldn't have done that." Media law specialist David Banks noted via social media that, under terror investigation powers, authorities are permitted to detain individuals for up to 14 days without bringing charges.
Trump appeared to suggest that a joint surveillance operation had been conducted with the United Kingdom, stating that the two countries had been monitoring certain individuals together. He indicated the individuals had intended to inflict substantial harm on the installation and said the alliance with British authorities had proved advantageous. The involvement of Scotland Yard remained a possibility, according to Trump, who added that authorities had collaborated with a considerable number of those involved. "We had them under view for a long time and we got 'em," he said.
A knowledgeable source told a major news organisation that Trump's account of events was broadly accurate. Additional reporting corroborated the alleged link to Iran. Among the possibilities put forward is that the group of five may have acted as intermediaries for Iran, whether wittingly or not.
When asked about Iranian involvement, Trump indicated it was possible but chose not to elaborate further. Separately, reports noted that no explosives were discovered in the vehicles. According to defence personnel, the detained individuals were possibly involved in stealing fuel. Three vans were reportedly found to contain storage containers for illicitly obtained fluids, along with additional equipment, and the vehicles were discovered in the vicinity of a fuel depot, according to reports.
No announcement had been made by Gloucestershire Police or counter-terrorism officers, while a heightened security presence continued around the military installation.
