Five Arrested Over Suspected Terror Plot Targeting RAF Base

LONDON: (News Desk) – Five people have been arrested in Britain on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack targeting a Royal Air Force base.

British police arrested the five individuals on Sunday near a US airbase over suspected explosives and terrorism-related offences. The arrests followed a tip-off that three vans were travelling towards the military airfield, which has previously been used for operations targeting Iran.

The British government had reportedly authorised the United States to use RAF Fairford for potential strikes against Iranian missile sites following attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The government said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being kept informed about the developing situation.

In July, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any military base used to launch attacks against Iran would be considered a legitimate target.

Police also arrested several people on suspicion of offences under explosives legislation, while residents were evacuated from homes in the Welford area.

According to British media reports, the UK’s counter-terrorism unit has taken over the investigation. Explosive materials were reportedly recovered from those arrested and are being examined by military personnel.

RAF Fairford has been cordoned off, with a large contingent of police and emergency services deployed at the scene as authorities investigate the suspected plot.