Five men have been arrested on terrorism charges after explosives were found on three vans parked near an RAF base used by the US military, with police investigating whether Iran is behind the suspected plot.
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Key facts
- Five men were arrested on terrorism charges.
- Explosives were found on three vans parked minutes from an RAF base used by the US military.
- About 85 households were evacuated and the area cordoned off.
- Police are investigating whether Iran is behind the suspected bomb plot.
Counter-terrorism police in the UK have arrested five men on terrorism charges after armed officers found explosives on three vans parked near an RAF base used by the US military, according to the Guardian.
The Guardian reports that investigators are examining whether Iran is behind the suspected bomb plot. The alert was raised after a member of the public called 999 over suspicious vehicles.
After the five men were arrested, investigators were examining materials found in the vans. An initial view was that the materials were consistent with improvised explosive devices, the Guardian understands.
As a precaution, police evacuated about 85 households and cordoned off the area, according to Al Jazeera. Bomb disposal experts were sent to examine the three vehicles.
The base at the centre of the investigation has been used by US forces. The Guardian noted the vans were parked only minutes away from the site.
Authorities have not released further details about the identities of those arrested or the outcome of the ongoing examination of the seized materials.
Why it matters
A suspected bomb plot near a military site used by US forces raises significant national security concerns in the UK. The possibility of foreign involvement, which police are investigating, could have wider diplomatic implications.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were arrested?
Five men were arrested on terrorism charges, according to the Guardian.
What was found near the base?
Explosives were found on three vans parked minutes from an RAF base used by the US military, with an initial view that the materials were consistent with improvised explosive devices.
Were residents affected?
Yes. Police evacuated about 85 households and cordoned off the area while bomb disposal experts examined the vehicles, according to Al Jazeera.
Timeline
- Five arrested over alleged bomb plot at UK air base used by U.S.; Iran denies link
CNBC Top News: U.K. counterterrorism police are understood to be investigating a potential link with Iran after an alleged bomb threat against an air base hosting U.S. forces.
- Five arrested on terrorism charges after explosives found near RAF base used by US
The Guardian World: Police investigate whether Iran is behind suspected bomb plot after member of public calls 999 over suspicious vehicles Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether Iran is behind a suspected bomb plot after armed officers found explosives on three vans parked minutes from
- Five arrested on ‘terrorism’ charges in UK near base used to strike Iran
Al Jazeera: Police evacuated about 85 households and cordoned off the area as bomb disposal experts examined three vehicles.