Five British men arrested near a US-operated air base in England have been released on bail as counter-terrorism police continue investigating suspected links to Iran and other potential foreign or militant actors.
The men, all London residents in their 20s, were arrested early Sunday after three vans were spotted in the countryside close to RAF Fairford, a UK-owned military facility used by the United States for bomber operations, including missions linked to conflicts in the Middle East.
The suspects were initially detained on suspicion of explosives-related offences before police also arrested them on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism.
They were released on bail on Monday under strict conditions, with police stressing that the investigation remains active.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing said detectives were pursuing several lines of inquiry, including the possibility that the suspected offences could have been carried out by individuals or proxies acting knowingly or unknowingly on behalf of a foreign state.
Investigators have yet to establish whether the incident was directed or supported by a state. Authorities are examining possible links to Iran, Russia and non-state militant organisations.
Iran has denied any involvement in the case, with its embassy in London rejecting the allegations and describing the speculation as unfounded.
British media reports have also indicated that police did not discover any viable explosives during the operation.
The arrests triggered a major security response in the nearby village of Whelford, where residents of about 85 homes were evacuated while army bomb-disposal specialists examined the three white vans.
The operation involved the use of a military robot to assess the vehicles before authorities declared the area safe and allowed residents to return.
The incident has drawn attention at the highest levels of government, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham expected to chair a meeting of the government’s COBRA emergency committee to review the developments.
US President Donald Trump said the arrests followed cooperation between American and British authorities and indicated that the suspects had been under surveillance for some time.
British police, however, said the arrests followed a late-night report about suspicious vehicles near the base.
A local farmer who alerted police said she noticed three unusually parked vans while returning home late Saturday. She also reported seeing a large group of men, some of whom appeared to have covered faces, before they dispersed after noticing her vehicle.
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the farmer had acted appropriately by contacting the authorities, while noting that she had only seen part of what was taking place.
The arrests come amid growing concern in Britain over activities allegedly linked to hostile states, including Iran and Russia. British intelligence agencies have previously warned that both countries have relied on proxies or intermediaries to conduct criminal operations in the UK.
RAF Fairford, located about 160 kilometres west of London, has been used by US B-1 and B-52 bombers during military operations connected to the conflict with Iran.
Tehran has previously warned that military bases used to launch attacks against Iranian territory could be regarded as legitimate targets.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described the incident as a reminder of the security threats facing Britain.
The US Air Force said personnel at RAF Fairford remained alert following the arrests but declined to discuss specific security arrangements for operational reasons.
The US Embassy in London has also advised American citizens in Britain to remain vigilant and take reasonable precautions regarding their personal security.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues as British authorities work to determine the purpose of the vehicles, the identities and intentions of those involved, and whether the suspects had any links to a foreign government or militant organisation.
