A sixth suspect has been released on bail as British counter-terrorism police investigate possible foreign-state involvement in the incident near the Gloucestershire airbase.
A 25-year-old man who holds dual nationality in the UK and Iran has been released on bail after being arrested in connection with an incident near RAF Fairford. He was taken into custody on Thursday in Westminster London following a security alert that involved suspicious vehicles near the military base in Gloucestershire. Police have said they found petrol but no explosive devices in the vans that triggered the investigation.
The arrest is part of a broader probe into what may have been a planned terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Five men were previously arrested in connection with the event and remain on bail while detectives continue their work.
RAF Fairford has recently hosted US bombers used in military operations against Iran.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that there are strong indications Iran was involved in the event near the airbase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel shared intelligence with Britain about the suspected plot. British police have not publicly confirmed a direct link between Iran and the incident.
The investigation has involved searches at two properties in London and multiple lines of inquiry being pursued by counter-terrorism teams. Vicki Evans of Counter Terrorism Policing described the case as highly complex. Iran has denied any involvement in the events surrounding RAF Fairford.
Local residents were evacuated during the security operation involving armed officers and bomb disposal teams.
The case has drawn attention to possible foreign-state involvement in an incident near a strategically important military base. Counter Terrorism Policing says all possible angles remain under investigation. The situation remains under review with no final determination about who was behind the suspected plot or what was intended.
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