UK-Iranian man arrested with link to security incident at US-run RAF Fairford base in England
British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old UK-Iranian dual national in connection with the security incident near RAF Fairford, as investigators examine possible foreign state involvement in the case.The man was arrested in Westminster, London, on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, Counter Terrorism Policing said, reported BBC. Police also questioned a 26-year-old British man under caution and searched two properties in the capital.The developments come days after five British men in their 20s were arrested near the Gloucestershire airbase on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. All five, who are from London, have since been released on police bail and remain under investigation.Counter-terrorism police said they were pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including a possible foreign state connection. “The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry,” said Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing.“As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement,” she added.The five men were arrested in the early hours of Sunday after police received reports of three suspicious vans travelling towards RAF Fairford. Searches of the vehicles found a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices, police said.The arrests triggered a major security operation around the base, which is used by the US Air Force and has supported American military operations in the Middle East, including the recent war with Iran. Police had initially suspected explosives offences before broadening the allegations to include preparation of a terrorist act.The investigation has also considered a possible Iranian connection. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there were “strong indications” that Iran played a role in the incident, while Tehran has denied involvement. US officials have also raised concerns over the case and the decision to release the five suspects on bail.Burnham has defended the decision, saying the suspects were released under strict conditions and that British authorities remained in close contact with their US counterparts.RAF Fairford, around 160 km west of London, has been used by US bombers during military operations in the Middle East. The base has also drawn threats from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which in July warned that British bases used for attacks on Iran could be considered legitimate targets. Iran has rejected claims linking it to the Fairford incident.
