Man arrested for alleged terror threat on US airbase RAF Fairford released on bail

The U.K.-Iranian dual national who was arrested in connection with an alleged terror threat against a U.S.-operated military base in England was released on bail, British authorities confirmed Saturday.

The 25-year-old man was taken into custody in the City of Westminster, London, earlier this week on “suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts” targeting RAF Fairford — a British-owned American air base.

A local farmer was the first to report the incident to law enforcement, telling police there were three suspicious vehicles and a group of men wearing masks near the base late at night on Sept. 26. The U.S. Air Force has used the military facility to position B-52 and B-1 bombers as part of the Trump administration’s war in Iran.

“Searches of two properties in the same area have now concluded,” British Counterterrorism Police wrote. “The investigation into the circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is continuing.”

In a separate update , Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans said, “ T he investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry.”

“As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement. I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and patience whilst we work through this investigation .”

The other five men involved in the incident were U.K. nationals in their 20s. British Counterterrorism Police confirmed on Oct. 1 that all of these men remain on police bail.

U.K. authorities have not released the names of any of the men arrested in connection with the suspected terror plot.

When asked on Monday about the other five men’s bail, President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office he was “surprised that they released them.”

“I would’ve said don’t let them have bail,” the president added.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Wednesday his government believes that Iran “played a part” in the incident. Trump also said he suspects the Islamic Republic “might be” involved.

The Iranian Embassy in London said in a Monday statement that it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations published by some British individuals and media outlets attempting to link Iran to arrest of five suspects in the vicinity of RAF Fairford base.”