UK Police Confirm No Explosives Found in Vans Linked to Detained Suspects Near US Military Base

LONDON (AP) — The U.K.'s counterterrorism police released five suspects on bail during an investigation into a suspected bomb plot at a U.S.-operated air force base in England, raising questions about the incident. Police confirmed on Tuesday that no explosives were found in three vans linked to the suspects, and stated that the decision to grant bail was based on "experience and strategy." U.S. President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the release of the five young British men, who were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses near the RAF Fairford base. The base has been utilized by American bombers in various conflicts in the Middle East, including this year's war with Iran. Counterterror detectives are investigating multiple lines of inquiry, including potential links to Iran, which has denied involvement. Laurence Taylor, head of U.K. Counter Terrorism Policing, emphasized that the suspects, all British nationals in their 20s, remain under investigation and face strict conditions. He acknowledged that the decision to release the suspects might have surprised some, reiterating that it was an investigative decision. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented that the case likely involves a foreign actor but did not specify further. A police cordon remained around the vans as armed police and counterterrorism officers continued their investigation. A local farmer reported the vans blocking a road near the air base, noting that she saw a group of men nearby who fled upon seeing her vehicle. Army bomb-disposal experts examined the vans, recovering a quantity of petrol but no explosives. Taylor indicated that investigators are exploring whether the suspected offenses were committed by proxies or individuals working on behalf of a foreign state. While authorities have not concluded if the incident was state-backed, they have suggested possible involvement from Iran, Russia, or non-state militant groups. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the U.K. should not be intimidated by threats from Iran. The Iranian embassy denied any involvement in the suspected plot. The air base, which houses the U.S. Air Force's 501st Combat Support Wing, has been a focal point for protests by anti-war activists. British officials reported a 50% increase in national security cases involving hostile state activity, including Iran, in the six months leading to December 2025. It remains unclear if the arrested men were previously known to security services. Local residents reported increased security around RAF Fairford in recent days. Trump noted that the arrests resulted from U.S.-U.K. cooperation and that the suspects had been under surveillance for some time. However, police stated that the arrests were prompted by a late-night call regarding suspicious vehicles. The farmer who alerted the police suggested that her call may have prevented a potential plot, expressing concern over the time taken for police to respond. Streeting remarked that the farmer had only a partial understanding of the situation. Local lawmaker Roz Savage expressed frustration and anxiety among residents, particularly those evacuated from their homes, stating that there are more questions than answers regarding the incident.