President Trump said U.S. authorities had been monitoring the suspected bomb plot targeting RAF Fairford, where five men were arrested after three suspicious vans containing suspected explosive materials were discovered near the U.S.-used British air base. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities currently considering an Iran-linked motive most likely while also examining possible Russian or Islamist involvement, and security has been heightened at RAF Fairford and RAF Lakenheath.
THE FACTS:
Five men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences after three suspicious vans were discovered about 400 meters from RAF Fairford.
President Trump said U.S. authorities had the suspects under observation, stating they were “looking to do big damage.”
RAF Fairford is a key U.S. Air Force outpost in Europe and has been used by American aircraft involved in defensive strikes against Iran.
Police are currently investigating whether Iran was behind the suspected plot, with an Iran-linked motive reportedly considered the most likely.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened RAF Fairford in July, calling bases used to launch attacks against Iran “legitimate targets.”
Bomb-disposal specialists and a robot were deployed to examine the three vans after nearby homes were evacuated.
Investigators believe materials found inside the vans may be consistent with improvised explosive devices.
Large black barrels found around one vehicle were examined by bomb-disposal experts, who said they could potentially have contained large quantities of explosives.
RAF Fairford was placed on its highest state of alert, while RAF Lakenheath’s threat level was raised to Charlie.
Authorities are also examining Russian sabotage and Islamist motives, while officials said the incident is contained and they are not currently seeking additional suspects.