Iran-linked motive probed after five men detained near UK airbase - Reuters

LONDON, Sept 28: British police were questioning five men on Monday on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after they were detained near RAF Fairford, an airbase used by US forces for strikes against Iran, Reuters reported.

The men were detained early Sunday after police received a tip that three large white vans were heading toward the airfield. A local farmer told Reuters she alerted police after seeing hooded and masked men running into nearby fields. A source familiar with the investigation said an Iranian-linked motive was considered the most likely, while authorities were also examining the possibilities of Russian sabotage or an Islamist plot. Police have not publicly identified who they believe was behind the incident.

The investigation remained in its early stages, with counterterrorism officers examining the circumstances surrounding the arrests. Police imposed a 400-metre cordon around the area, while residents of 85 homes were evacuated during the operation. Britain’s Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said he would not speculate on the motive while the investigation was ongoing.

The probe comes after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Britain in July that any base used to launch attacks against Iranian territory would be considered a legitimate target. Reuters reported that security was also increased around other US bases in Britain.

The five men remain in custody as investigators work to establish the circumstances and motive behind the incident.