UK Police Arrest Seventh Suspect Over Alleged Iran-Linked Plot at US Air Base
Key Takeaways
- A 22-year-old British man was arrested in London as the seventh suspect in a suspected plot against RAF Fairford.
- Investigators recovered accelerants from three vehicles, while six previously detained suspects remain on bail.
- The US military relocated strategic B-52 and B-1 bombers from the base following the reported threat.
British counterterrorism police on Tuesday arrested a 22-year-old British national in central London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts in connection with an incident at RAF Fairford. The facility, a Royal Air Force station operated by the United States Air Force in Gloucestershire, was targeted in what authorities describe as an Iran-linked security plot. The arrest marks the seventh detention linked to the investigation, which began late last month.
According to Counter Terrorism Policing, the suspect was taken into custody in the Westminster area. Six other men previously detained have been released on bail pending further inquiries. Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counterterrorism policing, confirmed that detectives "continue to pursue multiple lines of enquiry" and "remain committed to investigating all possible angles." During the initial response on September 27, emergency services evacuated dozens of local residents and discovered quantities of gasoline across three vans, though no explosive devices were located.
British officials, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham, indicated there are "strong indications" linking the incident to Iran, though formal evidence detailing the plot has not been released. Tehran has denied any role in the alleged operation, while reiterating its stance that installations used to strike Iranian territory are deemed legitimate targets. RAF Fairford has served as an operational staging ground for American strategic bombers involved in recent military strikes against Iranian targets.
Following the breach, the United States relocated B-52 and B-1 bombers from the Gloucestershire airfield on Sunday. President Donald Trump addressed the deployment shift in Washington, stating the aircraft were moved to eliminate risks following threats linked to Iran. The Metropolitan Police and regional counterterrorism units continue to secure the perimeter and examine evidence gathered from digital devices and the seized vehicles.
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