UK counter-terrorism police have said a quantity of petrol, but no explosive devices, was found during searches of three vans discovered near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Five UK nationals, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested after the vehicles were spotted in the early hours of Sunday in Whelford, a village close to the US-operated military base. They were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offences before being detained under terrorism legislation.
The men were released on bail on Monday as police continued their investigation. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the decision was based on operational experience and investigative strategy, with strict conditions imposed on the suspects’ movements and contact with others.
Police were alerted after a member of the public reported seeing three suspicious vehicles and a group of hooded and masked men near a blocked road. A bomb disposal team was subsequently deployed and a 400-metre security cordon was established around the area.
Taylor said police were responding to a range of information and were pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including whether individuals or proxies knowingly or unknowingly acting on behalf of a foreign state were involved.
The security operation led to the evacuation of residents from 85 homes, although they have since been allowed to return. Police said the remaining cordons around the base are expected to be removed on Wednesday.
The investigation has attracted international attention after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a foreign actor was involved, without providing evidence. US President Donald Trump also described the five suspects as “terrorists” and criticised their release on bail, although no charges have been brought against them.
RAF Fairford has served as a forward operating location for the US Air Force for decades. In recent months, US bombers have operated from the base for missions in the Middle East following the UK’s approval of a US request to use the facility for defensive strikes on Iran.
Iran has previously warned that any base used for attacks against its territory could be considered a legitimate target. However, the Iranian Embassy in London has rejected what it described as “unfounded and malicious speculations” linking Tehran to the Fairford incident.
UK authorities have urged the public not to speculate while investigations continue. Prime Minister Andy Burnham also chaired a Cobra meeting on Monday as officials assessed the security implications of the incident.
