Two men have been re-arrested by counter-terrorism police as part of an escalating investigation into suspicious activity near the RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire. The operation, which began following a major security alert last month, is now explicitly being linked by authorities to Iranian state involvement.
The two suspects—a 24-year-old UK national and a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national—are currently being held on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. This specific charge is brought under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023, a legislative tool designed to counter foreign interference.
The investigation dates back to the early hours of 27 September, when police were alerted to the presence of three suspicious vehicles in the vicinity of the US airbase. The discovery triggered a major security response, resulting in the evacuation of dozens of nearby homes as a precaution. During the initial sweep, five men were apprehended after being found with containers of petrol in three vans. They were initially detained under the Explosives Act, before being further questioned on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism.
In total, seven men were arrested in the aftermath of the incident. While five of those men remain on police bail, the two individuals re-arrested on Tuesday represent a significant development in the case. The 24-year-old was originally detained near the airbase on the night of the incident, while the 25-year-old was picked up by officers in Westminster on 1 October on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, confirmed that the inquiry is accelerating as investigators piece together the events of that night. “This is very much a live investigation, and our evidence gathering continues,” Taylor stated. “At this time our position remains the same; we consider it highly likely that there is Iranian state involvement.”
Authorities are now working to determine the precise extent of that involvement and the underlying motives behind the presence of the suspects at the strategically significant airbase. RAF Fairford is a key site for the United States Air Force in the UK, frequently hosting deployment exercises and long-range bomber missions.
As the investigation into the potential breach of national security continues, counter-terrorism units are expected to maintain a heightened presence in the area. Officials have emphasized that the investigation is complex and ongoing, with forensic evidence and digital analysis being prioritized to establish the “ambition” behind the alleged operation.
Further updates are expected as the legal process against the two detained men proceeds. For the latest developments on this breaking story, please continue to monitor updates through official news channels.
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