Five people arrested on suspicion of preparing an attack near Fairford air base have been released on bail, British counterterrorism police said.
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According to British authorities, those arrested are British nationals aged 20 to 25. The investigation into them is continuing after their release. They were detained after local residents alerted police to three vehicles heading toward the base in Gloucestershire, which has been used by U.S. air forces during operations against Iran.
The young people are suspected of preparing a terrorist act, while British police are examining whether they may have acted on behalf of a foreign state.
British authorities are investigating Iran’s possible role in the alleged plot against the base used by the Americans. However, the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London denied any involvement by Tehran on Monday.
British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told a news conference that the counterterrorism investigation into the incident at Fairford is a reminder that “at a time of growing threat, everyone must remain vigilant.”
Mahmood also warned those seeking to carry out attacks on British soil, saying: “You will never defeat us.”
After the incident, police cordoned off the entire area and 85 families from the village were evacuated. The Home Secretary said the area is now safe and affected residents have begun returning to their homes.
