UK counter-terrorism police find petrol but no explosives in vans near RAF Fairford, arrest five men

UK counter-terrorism police confirmed Tuesday that no improvised explosive devices were found in vehicles searched near RAF Fairford, but officers recovered a quantity of petrol during the investigation.
Five British men, aged 23 to 25, were arrested late Saturday after three white vans were stopped near the Royal Air Force base, which is also used by U.S. forces. The men, all London residents, were released on bail Monday following extensive questioning. Police said the decision was based on investigative strategy and experience.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of the Counter Terrorism Policing unit stated that the vehicles were thoroughly examined with military and forensic support. “We can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were discovered. However, a significant quantity of petrol was seized,” Taylor said. Authorities added that the security cordon around the site had been reduced and was expected to be fully lifted by Wednesday.
The incident prompted speculation about potential foreign involvement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News that the situation “clearly points to the involvement of a foreign actor,” though he did not provide specifics. Iran denied any connection to the case. British investigators said they were exploring multiple leads, including possible links to state or non-state actors, but stressed that no motive had been established.
Airborne footage showed barrels inside the vans, and at least one vehicle bore a falsified logo of a diesel supplier, fueling alternative theories that the men may have intended to steal fuel rather than carry out an attack.
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