British police arrested five men near Royal Air Force Fairford in a security operation in the early hours of Sunday, September 27 (October 5). One of these men contacted the emergency number 999 and informed the police.
Details of the Call to Police
The suspect called the police at 00:45 GMT, which was about an hour before a farmer also called the same number after seeing masked men. The five were arrested on suspicion of explosives-related offenses and later terrorist offenses following the sighting of three vans around Fairford airbase.
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Release on Bail
The individuals were released on bail on Monday after what police described as an "investigative decision." A quantity of gasoline was found during the search of the vans, but no explosive devices were discovered. The farmer who called the police warned about "three suspicious vehicles" in the village of Wolford, which is near the airbase. He said seeing these vehicles was "completely by chance" and added: "I believe my call to 999 thwarted any plans they had."
Officials' Reactions and Security Implications
The bomb disposal unit arrived at the scene after the incident, and a security perimeter was established with a radius of 400 meters around the site. Lawrence Taylor, head of the UK Counter-Terrorism Police, stated at a press conference that the police response to this incident was due to a "range of information." He also added that investigations are still ongoing and the release of the suspects on bail is "subject to strict conditions."
International Concerns and Consequences
All five men are British and residents of London, aged between 23 and 25 years. Security barriers are expected to be lifted near the base on Wednesday, allowing the residents of 85 homes that were evacuated on Sunday to return to their properties. Royal Air Force Fairford has been used as an operational base for the United States Air Force for decades.
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, also reacted to the release of these five men on bail, expressing dissatisfaction. He had previously stated that these individuals "intended to cause significant damage." Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged people not to speculate until officials clarify all the facts.
In light of recent tensions in the region, Iran has also responded to this incident, rejecting speculation and stating that any base used to invade Iranian territory is a legitimate target for Iranian forces.
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