Five young British men arrested on explosives and terror charges near a US-operated air force base in England were released on bail on Monday, and counterterror detectives said they were investigating "multiple lines of inquiry," including whether there is a link to Iran, reports the AP. The men were subjected to "extensive interviews and inquiries," reports the BBC, and UK Counter Terrorism Policing chief Laurence Taylor says they face "stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others," and "absolutely remain under investigation." The men were detained early Sunday after three vans were spotted near RAF Fairford, a UK-owned base that has been used by American bombers during decades of conflicts in the Middle East.
Investigators haven't concluded whether the incident was state-backed. 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. The five suspects, who haven't been named, were initially held over suspected explosives offenses, and later also arrested on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism. Police said the men are all British nationals from London and in their 20s. Iran denied involvement. The Iranian Embassy in London said that it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations" about the incident. (A local farmer is being credited for the bust by noticing fishy-looking vans.)
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