UK investigates if arrests near US-run base prevented Iran-linked attack
Five men were detained over potential terrorism after three vans were spotted near the RAF Fairford base, used by US bombers for decades
British police were holding five men on Monday and examining suspected explosives found near a US-operated air force base in England, as counterterror detectives investigated whether the arrests foiled an attempted attack linked to Iran.
The men were detained early on Sunday after three vans were spotted near RAF Fairford, a UK-owned base that has been used by American bombers during decades of conflict in the Middle East.
Investigators have not concluded whether the incident is a state-backed attack. They are investigating a possible link to Iran, Russia or non-state backed militant groups.
RAF Fairford has also been the focus of protests by anti-war campaigners.
