Trump, Rubio Rebuke UK Police Over 5 Suspects' Release as RAF Fairford Plot Questions Deepen
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Sep 29
Trump, Rubio Rebuke UK Police Over 5 Suspects' Release as RAF Fairford Plot Questions Deepen
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Sep 29
Summary
Five British men arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act were released on bail within a day, drawing public criticism from Trump and Rubio over the U.K. response.
Trump said he was "surprised" the suspects were freed and suggested the case might involve Iran, while Rubio called it a "very serious" incident that "clearly" involved a foreign actor without providing evidence.
British counterterror police said the men— all in their mid-20s — remain under investigation under strict movement and contact conditions, and no viable explosive device was found in their three vans.
Local media and a legal analyst said the quick bail decision could reflect surveillance tactics, while security sources cited by Wiltshire 999s said the men may have been fuel thieves, with barrels found in their vehicles.
RAF Fairford has been used by U.S. bombers in the seven-month Iran war, and British officials say such incidents may involve proxies working knowingly or unknowingly for foreign states; Iran has denied any link.