Fairford terror probe: Iranian-linked motive is the leading line of inquiry, Reuters reports

Full report

British counter-terrorism police are investigating a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, and an Iranian-linked motive is being treated as the most likely line of inquiry, Reuters reported Sunday, citing a source familiar with the investigation. Russian sabotage and an Islamist plot are also being examined as possibilities.

Police received a call at around 12:45 a.m. Sunday (Sept. 27) about three suspicious vehicles heading toward the base. Five men were arrested in the village of Whelford, first under explosives law and then re-arrested on suspicion of "preparation of a terrorist act" under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. About 85 households were evacuated as a precaution while Army bomb-disposal teams examined the vehicles. Police have not publicly identified the men, disclosed their nationalities, or confirmed any attribution, and the investigation remains at an early stage.

Sky News also reported that counter-terrorism officers are probing a possible Iranian connection, and The Telegraph said Iran topped the list of suspects. The context: U.S. bombers have flown Iran-related missions from Fairford, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Britain in July against letting U.S. bombers operate from the base, saying bases used in attacks on Iran could be treated as legitimate targets. After the arrests, the U.S.-linked base RAF Lakenheath was raised to the U.K.'s second-highest terror alert level, "Charlie." Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the incident "deeply worrying" and urged the public not to speculate while police establish the facts.