Five young British men arrested near a US-operated air base in England have been released on bail as UK counterterrorism police investigate possible links to Iran, Russia or non-state militant groups.
The men, all British nationals from London and in their 20s, were arrested early Sunday near RAF Fairford after three vans were spotted in the surrounding countryside. They were initially detained on suspicion of explosives offences and later arrested on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism.
Police said they remain under investigation and face strict bail conditions. The national news agency PA reported that no viable explosives had been found.
Counter Terrorism Policing chief Laurence Taylor said investigators were pursuing several lines of inquiry, including whether the suspects were acting knowingly or unknowingly on behalf of a foreign state.
Iran denied any involvement, with its embassy in London rejecting what it called “unfounded and malicious” speculation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor” but did not identify a country.
Residents of 85 homes near Whelford were evacuated while bomb-disposal experts examined the vans. They were allowed to return Monday, although a police cordon remained.
The arrests come amid heightened UK concerns over alleged Iranian and Russian proxy activity. RAF Fairford has been used by US bombers during military operations in the Middle East, including the recent conflict involving Iran.