UK-Iranian Dual National Arrested Over RAF Fairford Incident, Police Say
British counter-terrorism police have arrested a UK-Iranian dual national in connection with the ongoing investigation into the incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The man was arrested in Westminster, London, on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, Counter Terrorism Policing said.
Police also searched two properties in the London area as part of the investigation.
New Arrest in RAF Fairford Investigation
The latest arrest comes days after five British men were detained near RAF Fairford.
The five men, all in their 20s and from London, were arrested in the early hours of Sunday, September 27. They were initially detained on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of terrorism offences.
All five have since been released on police bail.
Police said the investigation remains active and that the suspects remain under investigation.
The latest arrest brings the number of people detained in connection with the incident to six.
Police Investigate Possible Foreign State Involvement
Counter Terrorism Policing said investigators are examining several possible explanations for what happened near the Gloucestershire airbase.
Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the investigation as “hugely complex.”
She said specialist teams were pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including the possibility of foreign state involvement.
The arrest of a dual UK-Iranian national comes after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were strong indications that Iran had played a role in the incident.
Burnham did not provide details about the intelligence behind that assessment, saying the investigation was still ongoing.
Iran has strongly denied involvement.
Iranian officials have rejected the allegations and criticised attempts to link Tehran to the incident.
No Explosives Found in Vans
The original incident began after police received information about suspicious vehicles close to RAF Fairford.
Three vans were linked to the five men who were arrested.
Counter-terrorism officers later confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found in the vehicles. However, police recovered a quantity of petrol.
Investigators are continuing to examine why the men were near the airbase and what they intended to do.
One of the five men also made a 999 emergency call shortly before the group was arrested. Police have not publicly explained the reason for that call.
RAF Fairford Used by US Aircraft
RAF Fairford has become particularly significant because of its use by the United States military.
US aircraft based at the Gloucestershire facility have been involved in operations against Iran. That background has increased concerns about the significance of the incident.
US officials have also raised questions about the earlier decision to release the five British suspects on bail.
However, British counter-terrorism officials have defended the decision and stressed that the men were released under strict conditions while the investigation continues.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Police have not announced charges against the five men who were arrested near the airbase.
The newly arrested UK-Iranian dual national is also only suspected of preparing terrorist acts. An arrest does not establish guilt, and investigators have not publicly disclosed evidence linking him to a specific planned attack.
Counter Terrorism Policing has urged anyone with information about the incident to contact authorities.
The investigation is continuing as British officials examine whether the RAF Fairford incident involved a wider network or possible foreign state involvement. Iran continues to deny any role.
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