After Fairford incident, Iranian angle seen as most likely for five arrested men

British counterterrorism police are questioning the five men detained near Fairford air base as they investigate the reasons behind their actions. According to a source familiar with the case who spoke to Reuters, the Iranian connection is considered the most likely angle.

Among the hypotheses being examined by investigators are a Russian sabotage operation and an Islamist plot. Authorities in Britain have not confirmed that any of these leads is accurate.

Defence Minister Wes Streeting said he would not speculate about the motive while the investigation was ongoing. Regarding a local resident who alerted police, he noted that she had seen only part of the incident. Streeting added that Britain was aware of Iran’s intentions, and those of groups linked to it, to target British interests and those of the country’s allies.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described the incident as a reminder of the threats facing Britain, expressing gratitude to the police, security services and armed forces.

US President Donald Trump said the suspects intended to cause major damage to the base and that authorities in the United States and Britain had investigated them. British police have not clarified whether the five men were under surveillance before they were arrested.

The suspects were detained in the early hours of Sunday after three white vans were reported near Fairford. A local resident said she had noticed masked people running across fields, prompting her to call the emergency services. After bomb disposal experts searched the area, 85 families in the village of Whelford were evacuated.

Fairford air base has been used by US aircraft during operations against Iran. Police have yet to make the identities of those arrested public or to say what they are suspected of planning near the base.