No explosives found in RAF Fairford investigation

British counter-terrorism investigators have found no improvised explosive devices in vehicles seized during an investigation into a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, a major airbase used by US forces.

Five British men in their twenties were arrested early on Sunday after three vans were spotted near the Gloucestershire base. A local farmer alerted police, according to reports cited by PBS and Al Jazeera.

The men were released on bail on Monday but remain under investigation. Reuters reports that police found no improvised explosive devices during searches of the vehicles, although petrol was recovered.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the decision to release the suspects was part of the investigation and that they remained subject to restrictions on their movements and contact with others.

Investigators have not established whether a foreign government was involved and are examining possible links to Iran, Russia or non-state armed groups. Iran’s embassy in London has denied any connection to the incident.

Former UK counter-terrorism official Chris Phillips told Al Jazeera that the absence of explosives or clear evidence of terrorism could help explain the decision to grant bail. US President Donald Trump said he was surprised by the releases and suggested the men might have links to Iran.

UK Foreign Secretary Wes Streeting said the government was aware of threats from Iran and groups linked to it. The investigation remains ongoing.