Alleged Iran Intelligence Link: 2 British Men Charged Over RAF Fairford Incident
Police Response At Fairford
On September 27, armed police went to the area after reports of three suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford. Five men were arrested, and residents were evacuated while police and military bomb-disposal specialists searched for explosives.
Nouman E. was first arrested near the Gloucestershire base that day and arrested again on October 20. US bombers were moved out of Fairford on security grounds soon after arrests linked to the incident.
Other Suspects And Inquiry
Counterterrorism chief Laurence Taylor said investigators believed Iran was the country involved. Police have described Iranian state involvement as “highly likely,” while Iran has denied taking part.
Security Concerns Continue
Taylor said police were working with MI5, the UK’s domestic intelligence service, to address the threat. He also called on members of the public to report concerns. RAF Fairford has been used by US forces to launch strikes on Iran. Iran has previously said it regards bases used to attack its territory as legitimate targets.
Key points
- Two men from London have been charged over events near RAF Fairford.
- Mohmed A. is accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service; Nouman E. faces a prohibited-place charge.
- Police say Iranian state involvement is highly likely, but Iran denies involvement.
- A separate suspect and five other men remain on bail in separate matters.