Five British nationals arrested Sunday near R.A.F. Fairford—a U.S. airbase launching B-1B strikes against Iran—have been released on bail despite initial terror plot allegations.
The suspects were detained roughly 100 meters from the base. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood declared the site secure after an emergency COBRA meeting, and 85 evacuated households were allowed to return.
The release has sparked a transatlantic intelligence dispute. Former President Trump claimed allied agencies had the suspects under long-term surveillance. UK authorities say the arrests followed a farmer's 1:40 AM call about blocked driveways—not prior intelligence.
Investigators are now examining whether the group unknowingly acted as a proxy for foreign state actors.
The suspects were detained roughly 100 meters from the base. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood declared the site secure after an emergency COBRA meeting, and 85 evacuated households were allowed to return.
The release has sparked a transatlantic intelligence dispute. Former President Trump claimed allied agencies had the suspects under long-term surveillance. UK authorities say the arrests followed a farmer's 1:40 AM call about blocked driveways—not prior intelligence.
Investigators are now examining whether the group unknowingly acted as a proxy for foreign state actors.
