UK PM says Iran's IRGC likely behind RAF Fairford incident

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 17:32 · Archive

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps was almost certainly behind a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford in southwest England.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was almost certainly behind a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford air base in southwest England. He told parliament: 'I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been co-ordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard.' RAF Fairford, used by US bombers to carry out strikes on Iran, became the focus of a major security response after five London men were arrested nearby in the early hours of 27 September on suspected terrorism and explosive offences.

US officials told Reuters that there had been a suspected plot involving Iran to launch a drone attack. US President Donald Trump said a threat linked to Iran had prompted a decision to withdraw the bombers from the base. Several residents near the air base were urged to leave their homes as armed police officers and army bomb-disposal experts swarmed the area. Detectives found petrol but no viable explosive in vans seized with the five men.

The five detained men were later released without charge on police bail 'under stringent conditions'. Two other arrested men, including a UK-Iranian dual citizen, were also released. None of the seven suspects have been charged. Iran rejected involvement, saying it amounted to 'unfounded and malicious speculations'. Burnham said: 'We will not tolerate these threats on our soil.'

How it is being reported

• UK PM says Iran's IRGC likely behind base incidentUK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says a security incident at a military air base in England was "almost certainly" directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 17:03
• UK PM says Iran's IRGC likely behind base incidentUK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says a security incident at a military air base in England was "almost certainly" directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 17:03

In this story: Andy Burnham · Iran · RAF Fairford · Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps · Donald Trump · United Kingdom

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