British police have arrested a 22-year-old British national in connection with a security incident near RAF Fairford, a military airbase used by the United States for its bomber operations.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts linked to activities that took place near the Royal Air Force base.
The arrest brings the total number of people detained in connection with the incident to seven. Police have not yet provided a full explanation of what happened near the base on September 27.
Five British men in their 20s were initially arrested near the perimeter of RAF Fairford. Police said three vans connected to the suspects contained petrol, although no explosives were discovered.
A 25-year-old British-Iranian man was also arrested in London last Thursday. All six people arrested previously have since been released on bail while investigations continue.
US Bombers Withdrawn From RAF Fairford
The latest arrest comes after the United States moved its B-52 and B-1 bombers away from RAF Fairford amid security concerns.
US President Donald Trump said the aircraft were withdrawn because of “some threats” and suggested that those behind the threats were linked to Iran, although he provided no further details.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also said there were “strong indications” that Iran had played a role in the incident.
Iran, however, has denied any involvement.
RAF Fairford, located about 160 kilometres west of London, has been an important European base for US bomber operations, including missions connected to the ongoing war with Iran.
The investigation into the incident and the suspected terrorism links remains ongoing.
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