Suspected terrorist plot near British Air Force base, no explosives… Only one can of gasoline found

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Shin Yu-ri = In relation to a suspected terrorist plot that occurred near a British air force base, it was revealed that no explosives were found during the on-site search, and only one can of gasoline was found.

As a result, confusion grew over this incident, which spread into a war of nerves between Britain, the United States, and Iran amid fears of terrorism.

According to foreign media such as the Associated Press, BBC, and Guardian, British counter-terrorism police announced on the 29th (local time) that no explosives were found in three vehicles at the scene in connection with a suspected terrorist plot that occurred at Fairford Air Force Base on the 27th.

Several drums were found in the vehicle in question, and police determined that one of them contained gasoline and the others were empty.

Additionally, searches of addresses associated with the five suspects across London turned up no evidence of operational explosives.

This incident raised awareness because it occurred near Fairford Air Force Base, which had been used as a key base for the U.S. air strike against Iran.

The incident occurred in the middle of the night on the 27th, which was a weekend. Immediately after a farmer who happened to be passing nearby reported seeing suspicious cars, counter-terrorism police were dispatched, immediately controlled the scene, and began a search for explosives.

All five arrested suspects were British nationals and men aged 23 to 25.

In particular, some media outlets reported that the British police were looking into possible links with foreign powers, including Iran, and the controversy grew as even US President Donald Trump came forward and mentioned, "These are the suspects we have been watching for a long time."

However, the situation took a turn again when British police released all five suspects on bail on the 28th, the day after the incident.

At a meeting with reporters on the 29th, President Trump mentioned that he was "disappointed" about the release on bail, and when reporters asked, "Is it true that you have been watching for a long time?", he answered "Yes."

Iran has consistently denied any possibility of involvement and is strongly opposing it, saying it "incites hatred toward Iran."

British police said the bail release followed “careful consideration”.

Additionally, as no explosives were found, the evacuation order that shook nearby villages is expected to be lifted.

Commenting on the release, Lawrence Taylor, head of Britain's counter-terrorism police, said: "I understand that this decision will come as a surprise to many people."

Residents of 85 households who had been sheltering in place for several days began returning home on the 29th.

They also stayed at temporary council shelters and hotels.