RAF Fairford Explosives Arrest Investigation
What's Happened So Far
British counter-terrorism police arrested five men near RAF Fairford, a U.S. military base in western England, on September 27 on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and explosives offenses. Prime Minister Andy Burnham subsequently stated there were "strong indications" Iran played a role in the incident, though Iran's government denied involvement. The arrests prompted the United States to withdraw all B-1 and B-52 bombers from the base following intelligence about Iran-backed threats. Additional arrests followed, with police apprehending a seventh suspect in London on October 7 in connection with the suspected Iran-linked plot.
The investigation has expanded beyond RAF Fairford. On October 9, British counter-terrorism police arrested two Latvian nationals found inside RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire, a NATO and U.S. intelligence facility. While authorities are investigating the incident, police stated there is currently no indication linking the arrest to the earlier RAF Fairford investigation. Seven people remain in custody in connection with the Fairford security incident, which involved the search of three suspicious vehicles at the scene.
- Oct 9, 2026· 6 sources
Two Latvian Nationals Arrested After Entering RAF Molesworth, Base Hosting US and NATO Intelligence
Two Latvian men living in the UK were arrested under the National Security Act after being found inside RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire early Thursday. Counter-terrorism police are investigating, but say nothing currently links the incident to the recent RAF Fairford arrests.
- Oct 7, 2026· 6 sources
U.S. Removes Bombers From UK Base After Security Incident Linked to Iran
The United States has withdrawn all B-1 and B-52 bombers from RAF Fairford in England following a September 27 security incident that British authorities have linked to Iran. Seven people have been arrested in connection with a suspected plot against the base, which has been used for strikes on Iranian targets.
- Oct 7, 2026· 2 sources
UK Police Arrest 7th Man in Suspected Plot Against US Air Base
British police arrested a 22-year-old man in London on Tuesday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts linked to Iran, marking the seventh arrest in connection with a security incident at RAF Fairford. Authorities have linked the suspected plot to Iran, though Iran has denied involvement.
- Oct 5, 2026· 3 sources
Trump Says Iran-Linked Threats Led to B-1 Bomber Withdrawal from UK Base
The U.S. has redeployed 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in England after receiving intelligence about Iran-backed threats to the airbase, according to President Trump and Vice President Vance.
- Sep 29, 2026· 6 sources
UK PM Burnham Links Iran to RAF Fairford Security Incident
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Wednesday there are "strong indications" Iran played a role in a security incident at RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by U.S. forces. Iran's government rejected the allegation, with its foreign minister stating Burnham was "barking up the wrong tree."
- Sep 27, 2026· 6 sources
UK Police Arrest Five Men on Suspicion of Terror Offenses Near US Air Base
British counter-terrorism police arrested five men in the early hours of Sunday near RAF Fairford, a U.S.-operated military base in western England, on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism and explosives offenses. Three suspicious vehicles were searched at the scene.