RAF Fairford incident: Two charged over alleged plot to assist Iran
Charges linked to two dates
Nouman Essghir, who is 24, faces an additional charge over entering a prohibited place on 22 August. The charge alleges the visit was for a purpose prejudicial to the UK. Both men are due at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later.
Police response at the base
Police found no explosive materials in the vans, but seized a quantity of petrol. Authorities established a large cordon around the base for several days after the incident.
One of the men was arrested near RAF Fairford on 27 September and arrested again on 20 October. The report does not identify which of the two men was arrested on those dates.
Iran concerns and US aircraft
RAF Fairford has served as a forward operating location for the US Air Force for decades. Following the September incident, the US withdrew its bombers from the base and took them back to America.
Key points
- Two British nationals face national security charges over the RAF Fairford incident.
- Nouman Essghir, 24, is also charged over an alleged prohibited-place visit on 22 August.
- Police seized petrol from vans but found no explosive materials.
- The US withdrew its bombers from RAF Fairford after the incident.