A sixth individual has been released on bail after being arrested in connection with a suspected terror plot targeting RAF Fairford, according to Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP).
The 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national was taken into custody on Thursday, October 1, on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. His arrest occurred in the Borough of Westminster, London, where authorities have now completed searches of two properties linked to the investigation.
The inquiry remains ongoing as law enforcement officials continue to examine multiple leads related to the case.
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This latest arrest follows that of five British men in their mid-20s, all of whom were also detained on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences before being released on bail. The heightened security response was triggered by reports of three suspicious vans near the Gloucestershire military base last weekend.
Senior CTP national co-ordinator Vicki Evans described the investigation as highly complex, noting that specialist teams are pursuing various lines of inquiry. She emphasised that all possibilities are under consideration, including potential foreign state involvement.
In remarks on the situation, Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated there were “strong indications” of Iranian involvement in the incident near the Gloucestershire facility.
RAF Fairford has been utilised in recent months by US bomber aircraft following authorisation from former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, permitting the US to use British bases for defensive operations against Tehran amid the Middle East conflict.
Counter-terror police confirmed that a quantity of petrol was discovered in the vans responsible for triggering the security alert, although no explosive devices were found.
Further developments included Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that Israel provided British authorities with intelligence related to the suspected terror plot. He claimed Israel alerted the UK to the “Iranian-sponsored attack” shortly before Britain announced sanctions targeting illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.