RAF Fairford bomb plot 'directed by Iran using low-level criminals', expert says
Seven men arrested after masked suspects in white vans were intercepted near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. A security expert and local councillor both point to Iranian involvement.
RAF Fairford terror suspects 'hired by Iran to carry out attack on Gloucestershire base'
The suspected bomb plot targeting RAF Fairford bears the hallmarks of Iranian involvement, a security expert has told metro.co.uk, as counter-terrorism detectives investigate links to Tehran following the arrest of seven men near the Gloucestershire base.
Five masked men were detained in the early hours of 27 September after three white vans pulled up outside the base, which hosts both UK and American forces. Two further arrests followed. A bomb disposal robot was deployed to inspect the vehicles, which had parked near a local farmer's driveway.
A farmer raised the alarm
A female farmer is believed to have been first to alert police after spotting the vans and a group of men she described as "fit and young," all wearing similar dark clothing with hoods and masks. Several of the men fled into nearby woodland after she interrupted them. The five arrested near the perimeter were detained on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences.
Local councillor Tristan Wilkinson confirmed to Reuters that RAF Fairford had received "a specific threat about six weeks ago from the Iranians," prompting security to be significantly increased in the weeks before the incident.
Security expert cites Iranian modus operandi
Will Geddes, a security specialist with ICP Group Security, outlined several factors pointing toward Tehran's involvement. He told metro.co.uk: "Firstly, RAF Fairford has been listed by IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] as a legitimate and a key target for their retribution. The reason is it was utilised as a position and refuelling point for US bombers that were flying into Iran as part of the conflict. So they had already listed it as a viable target."
Geddes said the method of the alleged plot also pointed away from Russian state involvement. "That doesn't fall within the standard Russian profile and modus operandi. So it has all the hallmarks of Iran rather than Russia," he said. He suggested the devices involved could have been improvised explosive devices (IEDs), though the type of potential explosives has not been publicly confirmed by authorities.
Iranian networks operating abroad are known to recruit low-level criminals, Geddes said, paying them relatively small sums to carry out attacks — a pattern he said was consistent with what occurred at Fairford.
Trump and intelligence services cited
Donald Trump said the suspects had been "under view for a long time" and that "we had them under investigation." Geddes said that statement confirmed the operation was led by intelligence agencies including the CIA and MI5, with UK special forces likely involved in the interception.
Geddes also raised concern about individuals who escaped into the woods and remained unaccounted for. "The female farmer, who called 999, said she was surprised that the police didn't make any mention of the other individuals that managed to escape and run into the woods," he said. He noted that two other air bases remain on high alert and that other government facilities in the area are also subject to heightened security.
Counter-terrorism investigators are expected to search the suspects' phones and homes to identify communications and determine who directed the operation, Geddes said.
Government responds, Iran denies involvement
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said it was "too early to attribute background aims," but added that Britain should not be "cowed by sabre-rattling from Iran" or allow such actions to shape UK foreign policy.
Reports also suggest Prime Minister Andy Burnham could convene an emergency Cobra meeting, and that the UK's national terror threat level — currently at severe — could be raised to critical in response.
Iran's London embassy categorically denied any connection to the alleged plot, describing the suggestions as "unfounded and malicious" and accusing those making them of seeking to "fuel Iranophobia propaganda in the UK."
Source: The Sun