U.K. police: Five men arrested in RAF Fairford terror plot are British nationals
by Vaughn Cockayne · The Washington TimesThe five men arrested Sunday in connection with an attempted terror attack at a military base in southwest England are British nationals, authorities said Monday, as questions swirl about a motive and its potential connection to the U.S. war against Iran.
The men, aged 23 to 35, are residents of Camden, in north London, or Westminster and Willesden, in northwest London, the U.K. Counter Terrorism Policing agency said. They were arrested for suspected offenses under the Terrorism Act and the Explosives Act, but authorities have yet to release specific details of the allegations.
Authorities on Monday urged the public to let the investigation take its course and to not jump to conclusions about a motive.
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“I am very aware of the levels of speculation about the motivation behind this incident, and the geopolitical questions that are being raised. However, I ask that at this time, Counter Terrorism Policing are given the space to work carefully and clearly,” said Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator of Counter Terrorism Policing.
Police arrested the men Sunday just outside RAF Fairford after receiving calls about suspicious vehicles driving near the base, about a mile from the village of Whelford.
Almost immediately after the arrests, reports began speculating about the possible connection between the incident and the U.S.-Israel war with Iran.
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RAF Fairford hosts several key U.S. military units, including the headquarters of the U.S. Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and the 420th Air Base Squadron. The U.S. has also used the base to launch long-range strikes against Iran.
British authorities on Sunday did not suggest any links between Iran and the incident near RAF Fairford.
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• Ben Wolfgang and Susan Ferrechio contributed to this report.
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