Attack foiled at RAF base in Fairford: a British-Iranian citizen in handcuffs

Fairford RAF base, the five young people arrested for terrorism released on bail in recent days

The five men in their early twenties arrested on Sunday as part of the investigation into the accident which occurred near the Fairford Royal Air Force base, also used by the US armed forces, were released on bail in recent days. This was announced by the head of the British anti-terrorism police, Laurence Taylor. “This does not mean that the investigation is over,” Taylor said, explaining that the five, all aged between 23 and 25, remain under investigation and are subject to “strict conditions” on their movements and contact with other people. “We are following several investigative leads,” he added.

The five men were traveling in three vehicles, which were subsequently searched with the support of military personnel and forensic experts. “Significant resources” of security forces still remain deployed in the area and the site is still cordoned off. However, the cordon, Taylor explained, will be reduced in the next few hours to allow residents to return to their homes.

The men were arrested on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act, in breach of Article 5 of the Terrorism Act. Fairford Air Base hosts a large number of US Air Force personnel and operations.

The reaction of the White House: President Donald Trump’s surprise

Meanwhile, American President Donald Trump said he was “surprised” by the fact that the London authorities decided to release five British citizens suspected of terrorism on bail after they were arrested near an RAF base. “We’ll talk about it. I have a lot of respect, however, for Scotland Yard. I think they know what they’re doing, but I was a little surprised,” Trump said.