Archive · 29 Sep 2026
UK Releases Five Men After Suspected Plot Near US Airbase
Police in Britain arrested five young men near an airbase used by the United States.
The base is called RAF Fairford and is in Gloucestershire.
Police were alerted after suspicious vans and masked people were seen nearby.
The men were suspected of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act.
They were later released on bail, meaning they must follow strict rules while the investigation continues.
Police are checking whether a foreign country or its helpers may have been involved.
US officials said a foreign actor was involved, but they did not provide evidence or identify one.
President Donald Trump said he was surprised the men were released.
Iran said it had nothing to do with the incident, and evacuated residents were allowed to return home.
British police released five London-based men on bail after arresting them near RAF Fairford on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act.
Police said the investigation continues, with officers examining whether the men acted for or were linked to a foreign state or proxies.
The arrests followed reports of three suspicious white vans and masked men near the Gloucestershire base, prompting the evacuation of about 85 households.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a foreign actor was involved, while President Donald Trump suggested the incident might be connected to Iran and criticized the release.
Iran denied involvement, and a source said materials found in the vans were not viable explosives, although authorities have not confirmed the full nature of the threat.
- Who
- Five British men from London were arrested; British police, US officials, local residents, and Iran also made statements.
- What
- The men were arrested near RAF Fairford over suspected explosives offences and preparation of a terrorist act, then released on bail.
- When
- The arrests occurred early Sunday; the men were released Monday, while a cordon remained in place Tuesday morning.
- Where
- Near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, western England.
- Why
- Police responded to reports of suspicious vans and masked men near a US-used airbase; authorities are investigating possible links to a foreign state or proxies.
UK Authorities and Iran
US Officials and Local Critics
Release on bail
UK Authorities and Iran
British police said the release under stringent conditions did not mean the investigation was over. Defence Minister Wes Streeting said the local farmer had only a partial picture of the situation.
US Officials and Local Critics
Donald Trump said he was surprised by the release and said he would not have made the same decision. A local farmer said police had dropped the ball.
Possible foreign involvement
UK Authorities and Iran
Iran categorically denied involvement and called claims linking Tehran to the incident unfounded and malicious. British police said they were considering every possibility, including proxy activity.
US Officials and Local Critics
Marco Rubio said the incident clearly involved a foreign actor, while Trump said it might be connected to Iran, without providing supporting details.
Level of threat
UK Authorities and Iran
Residents were allowed to return home, and a source said materials found in the vans were not viable explosives, although authorities have not confirmed the threat's full nature.
US Officials and Local Critics
The arrests, bomb-disposal work, security measures, and evacuation of about 85 households reflected concerns about a potentially serious threat near the airbase.
- Suspects
- Five British men in their early 20s from London
- Alleged offences
- Explosives offences and preparation of a terrorist act
- Location
- RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, western England
- Vehicles
- Three large white vans were examined by police, military personnel, and forensic experts
- Evacuations
- About 85 households were evacuated and later allowed to return
- Bail
- The men were released Monday under stringent conditions
- Foreign involvement
- US officials alleged a foreign actor may be involved, without providing evidence or naming one
