Plot to attack a US airbase in Britain? Five British suspects under investigation

British police are investigating whether individuals linked to a foreign state were involved in a suspected plot to attack an airbase used by the United States in Britain.

Five men, all British citizens in their 20s, were arrested early Sunday after police were alerted by a farmer about three white vans heading toward the RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire.

The base is used by the US Air Force and houses bombers that have been engaged in operations against Iran. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had designated the base a legitimate target in July.

Laurence Taylor, head of the British counter-terrorism unit, said the five suspects, arrested on suspicion of explosives-related offenses and planning a terrorist act, will be released under strict conditions.

Taylor stressed that their release does not mean the investigation is over.

“The investigation continues and they remain under investigation,” he said, adding that authorities are examining several leads.

According to a source familiar with the investigation, authorities are examining an Iran-linked motive as the main lead. However, investigators are also considering the possibility of a Russia-linked sabotage operation or an Islamist plot.