by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – British counterterrorism authorities have released on bail five men arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, even as investigators continue examining whether the incident involved a foreign state.
The five British nationals, all in their 20s and from London, were arrested early Sunday after police received reports of three suspicious vehicles traveling toward RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Armed officers initially detained the men on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of Britain’s Terrorism Act.
RAF Fairford is a strategically important British air base used extensively by U.S. forces, including American bomber operations. The base has taken on heightened significance during the war with Iran and has been used by the United States for operations connected to the conflict.
Despite the seriousness of the initial arrests, British authorities announced Monday that all five men would be released on police bail.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of Britain’s National Counter Terrorism Policing, stressed that their release does not end the case. The suspects remain under investigation and face stringent restrictions on their movements and contacts while authorities pursue multiple lines of inquiry.
Authorities subsequently said investigators found no improvised explosive devices, although a quantity of petrol was recovered from the vehicles.
The investigation has also taken on an international dimension. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the incident involved a “foreign actor,” while President Donald Trump expressed surprise that the suspects had been released. British investigators have said they are keeping an open mind regarding the geopolitical circumstances surrounding the case. Iran has denied involvement.
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