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Police declared a major incident after the arrest of five men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Eighty-five homes in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated as the Army’s explosive ordnance disposal team investigated the area.
Investigation into the arrests connected to suspected terrorism is ongoing, with a total of six individuals detained, including a dual UK-Iranian national who has since been released on bail. Operational security protocols impacted the real-time communication of U.S. military movements, but all bombers initially stationed at RAF Fairford have now returned to their home stations in the United States.
The US military has redeployed all bombers from RAF Fairford, with a Pentagon official confirming that this move supports global force readiness. In response to the incident, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated there are “strong indications” of links to Iran, while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed these claims as unfounded.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed how the incident near RAF Fairford is connected to Iran despite suggestions of potential links.
US removes bombers from RAF Fairford following alleged terror incident
The US military has removed all of its bombers from RAF Fairford after the alleged incident involving masked men outside the base.
Fighter jets, including B-1 and B-2s, were seen flying out of the Gloucestershire base more than a week after it was embroiled in the suspected attack on September 27.
UK military bases have been on high alert since the mysterious incident, including Fairford, which was home to US Air Force jets until yesterday.
A Pentagon official said: ‘US Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements.
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‘While operational security precluded us from confirming the movement of our assets and forces in real time, we can acknowledge now that all US bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have redeployed to their home stations in the United States.
‘The airmen that operate America’s bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities – including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States – anywhere, anytime.’
Counter terrorism detectives confirmed on Saturday that a sixth man, a dual UK-Iranian national, arrested in connection with the events had been released on bail.
The man, aged 25, was arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.
Previously, five other men, all in their mid-20s, had been apprehended on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism.
All were bailed, a decision that sparked a reaction from US president Donald Trump.
Trump said the UK authorities investigating the events ‘should not have done that.’
The incident has led to speculation and theories about who might have been involved.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were ‘strong indications’ about links to Iran.
The US bombers used RAF Fairford to carry out operations across the Middle East, including launching aircraft in the Iran war.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi accused the UK of ‘barking up the wrong tree’ following Burnham’s comments.