Counter-terrorism detectives have arrested a seventh man in connection with the alleged terror plot at RAF Fairford. The latest suspect, a 22-year-old British national, was held on suspicion of terrorist acts in Westminster, London, counter-terrorism police confirmed.
The arrest follows the detention of six other suspects linked to the incident at the UK military base in Gloucestershire on September 27. The base and the surrounding villages of Whelford and Kempsford drew international attention after three white vans were spotted near the safety perimeter.
Investigation expands
A farmer claimed she saw hooded and masked men run into the woods near the base, which until recently housed US fighter jets. On Saturday, a sixth man, a dual British-Iranian national aged 25, was arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Earlier, five other men, all in their mid-20s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism.
Senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, said: “This remains a live investigation and our specialist teams continue to pursue multiple lines of inquiry into the circumstances surrounding events near RAF Fairford. Once again, I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and patience whilst we work through this highly complex investigation.”
US bombers withdrawn
The latest arrest comes after the Pentagon pulled US bombers from the base, with Donald Trump citing a “threat” for the decision. Trump said: “They didn’t fly out by accident. There were some threats and rather than tempting the enemy, we will capture the enemy and beat the enemy. But why should we leave them there?”
Speculation is swirling about who might be behind the alleged plot. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” about links to Iran, although Tehran has strongly denied any involvement. The US bombers used RAF Fairford to carry out operations across the Middle East, including launching aircraft in the Iran war.
Iran denies involvement
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi accused the UK of “barking up the wrong tree” following Burnham’s comments. Evans added: “We’re acutely aware of the public interest in this investigation, and we are working around the clock, and at pace, to identify the motivation behind events in Gloucestershire. We remain committed to investigating all possible angles.”
