Five arrested near US air base

Five young British men were arrested on explosives and terror charges near RAF Fairford, a UK-owned base used by American bombers. They were released on bail Monday.

Detectives investigate Iran link

UK counterterror detectives are investigating multiple lines of inquiry, including whether there is a link to Iran, Russia or non-state militant groups. They have not concluded if the incident was state-backed.

Three vans spotted in countryside

The five men were detained early Sunday after three vans were spotted in the countryside near RAF Fairford. A local farmer called police late Saturday night after seeing three oddly parked vans and a large group of men with covered faces.

Suspects face stringent conditions

The five suspects, all British nationals from London in their 20s, were bailed with stringent conditions. Head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said they absolutely remain under investigation.

“absolutely remain under investigation”

Investigators explore foreign state link

Laurence Taylor said lines of inquiry include that suspected offenses were committed by proxies or individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly, working on behalf of a foreign state.

“proxies or individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly, working on behalf of a foreign state”

Iran denies involvement

Iran categorically rejected and strongly condemned what it called unfounded and malicious speculations about the incident. The Iranian Embassy in London issued the denial.

“categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations”

Rubio says foreign actor involved

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News host Sean Hannity that the incident clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor but did not name a specific country.

“clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor”

RAF Fairford used in Iran war

RAF Fairford, one hundred miles west of London, has been used by American B-1 and B-52 bombers for operations during the Iran conflict that began February twenty-eighth. Iran has said it considers any base used to attack its territory a legitimate target.

Iran-linked proxies behind UK attacks

British security officials say proxies linked to Iran have been behind a string of arsons and other attacks in the UK and other countries, many targeting the Jewish community. They have warned Tehran could expand targets if Middle East conflicts continue.

Evacuations and bomb disposal

Residents were evacuated from eighty-five homes in the village of Whelford near the base on Sunday. Army bomb-disposal experts used a robot to examine three white vans. Villagers were allowed to return home late Monday afternoon.

Government convenes emergency committee

Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a meeting of the government's COBRA emergency committee on Monday to make sure the government had the full picture of the incident.