Five Arrested in RAF Fairford Plot Released on Bail

Five British nationals from London, all in their early 20s, were released on bail Thursday, September 28, after their arrest in connection with an alleged plot to attack RAF Fairford. UK counterterrorism police are continuing their investigation.

The military base in the Cotswolds, which houses U.S. personnel and has been used by American bombers during Middle East conflicts, was the alleged target. Authorities are exploring potential links to Iran, Russia, or nonstate-backed militants. Iran has denied any involvement.

Laurence Taylor, head of UK counterterrorism police, confirmed the release but stated investigators are still determining if the plot was "actively committed by proxies or individuals." The investigation began after a farmer reported seeing a group of hooded and masked men near the base. Police responded within minutes of the call.

Following the arrests last Sunday, the British Army bomb squad used robots to search three vans allegedly driven by the men. Eighty-five nearby homes were evacuated, and residents had not returned by Monday morning. The vehicles remained at the scene.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged the public to avoid speculation and allow police to establish the facts. The individuals could have been detained for up to 14 days, but their release on bail signifies the ongoing nature of the inquiry.