Seventh Man Arrested in UK Probe Into Suspected RAF Fairford Plot
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — WEB DESK: British counterterrorism police have arrested a seventh man as part of an investigation into suspicious activity near RAF Fairford, a strategically important airbase used by the United States military.
The 30-year-old suspect was arrested on Tuesday in Gloucestershire on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.
The arrest forms part of an investigation into incidents near RAF Fairford, where US B-1B Lancer strategic bombers had recently been stationed.
Six men had previously been detained as part of the same investigation. The suspects range in age from their 20s to their 50s and were arrested at locations across southern England.
Investigators have been examining allegations that a drone-related operation may have been planned against the airbase.
Police activity intensified after suspicious behaviour was reported near RAF Fairford, prompting searches and arrests under counterterrorism legislation.
British authorities have stressed that the investigation remains active and that establishing the full circumstances surrounding the alleged activity will take time.
The arrests do not establish that any of the suspects committed an offence, and no final determination of responsibility has been announced.
The investigation has attracted international attention because RAF Fairford is frequently used for deployments of US strategic bombers and plays an important role in American military operations in Europe.
The United States recently moved B-1 bombers away from the base after intelligence raised concerns over a possible drone attack.
Possible links between the suspected plot and Iran are also being examined. However, direct Iranian involvement has not been conclusively established, and Tehran has denied responsibility.
The investigation comes amid heightened concern over the vulnerability of military installations to relatively inexpensive drones, which can pose significant security challenges when operated close to sensitive facilities.
Security around RAF Fairford and other strategically important British military installations remains under heightened scrutiny as counterterrorism authorities continue their investigation.
