Early on 27/9, British authorities arrested five men near Fairford airbase in the southwest of the country, suspecting a plot to bomb a US military facility. On 28/9, UK police announced that the suspects, all aged between 23 and 25 and citizens residing in London, had been released on bail. This move prompted a strong reaction from US President Donald Trump. "I was surprised when they released these people. I would not have done that", President Trump stated on 28/9, adding that London was cooperating "very closely" with Washington on the matter. He emphasized, "We know everything about them. We would not release them on bail."
President Trump suggested Iran "could" be involved in the incident but declined to elaborate. He further stressed, "I know the answer and could be very specific, but I do not want to disclose it. I would not release them on bail."
 |
UK police near Fairford airbase on 28/9. Photo: SWNS |
The Iranian Embassy in London on 28/9 denied allegations that Tehran was involved with the suspect group. The embassy stated that such unsubstantiated speculation only "fuels anti-Iran propaganda" in the UK. Meanwhile, UK counter-terrorism police announced they are investigating the possibility of "external state" involvement, but did not specify which country. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on 28/9 met with COBRA, the national emergency response committee, to address the situation.
 |
Location of Fairford airbase in the UK. Graphic: Sky News |
Fairford airbase, a key military installation, was built in 1943 and became operational one year later. The Royal Air Force operated the base until 1950, when control transferred to the US Air Force. It currently serves as home to B-1B strategic bomber squadrons, as well as the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and the 501st Combat Support Wing of the US Air Force.
Since February, the British government has permitted US aircraft stationed at Fairford to conduct airstrikes targeting Iran. Earlier this year, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning that the UK would pay a price if it continued to allow US B-1 bombers to take off from this base.
Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)
