British counterterrorism investigators are probing whether a foreign state played any role in an apparent plot near RAF Fairford, the English airbase used by U.S. forces — and several unusual details surrounding three suspicious vans are now attracting scrutiny.
Five men were arrested early Sunday near the Gloucestershire installation after police received a report of three suspicious vehicles in the area. Authorities initially detained the men on suspicion of offenses under Britain’s Explosives Act and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. All five are British nationals in their 20s who live in London.
Police have stressed that investigators have not established the motive or determined that a foreign government was behind the incident. Counterterrorism officials are examining multiple possibilities, however, including whether individuals acting on behalf of another state were involved. Reports have specifically identified Iran as one line of inquiry.
