British police are continuing their investigation into suspected terrorist activity near RAF Fairford.
Seventh suspect arrested in connection with investigation into alleged plot targeting UK airbase released under strict conditions
By Avid Reporters
LONDON, United Kingdom — British police have released on bail a 22-year-old man arrested in connection with an investigation into suspected terrorist activity near RAF Fairford, a military airbase in Gloucestershire.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the British national was arrested in Westminster, London, on Tuesday, October 6, on suspicion of the preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Police said the suspect has now been released from custody under strict bail conditions, while investigations continue.
He is the seventh man arrested in connection with the RAF Fairford investigation. All seven suspects have subsequently been released on bail, according to police and current reports.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The investigation began after police were alerted to suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford on September 27.
Five British nationals in their 20s were initially arrested near the airbase, while a sixth suspect, a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national, was arrested in Westminster on October 1.
The latest suspect, also British, was arrested in Westminster on October 6. Police also searched a property in the area.
Counter Terrorism Policing has stressed that the investigation remains active and that detectives are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry.
No suspect has been charged in connection with the investigation at this stage.
What Happened Near RAF Fairford?
The investigation followed a security incident on September 27 that led to the evacuation of residents near the Gloucestershire airbase.
Police subsequently said a quantity of petrol had been found in three vans linked to the initial suspects, although no explosives were discovered.
The precise nature and motivation of the alleged plot remain under investigation.
British authorities have also indicated that they are examining possible foreign-state involvement. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously said there were “strong indications” that Iran played a role, while Iran has denied involvement.
US Bombers Withdrawn From RAF Fairford
The investigation has gained international attention because RAF Fairford has been used by the United States for military bomber operations.
The US subsequently redeployed B-1 and B-52 bombers from the base. US officials told Reuters that concerns over a possible Iranian-backed drone attack were among the factors behind the redeployment, although details of the alleged threat have not been publicly established.
The ongoing police investigation is now focused on establishing what happened around the airbase, the motivation behind the activity and whether there was any organised terrorist plot.
Counter Terrorism Policing has urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact authorities.
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