RAF Fairford ‘bomb’ plot was carried out by ‘low-level criminals being directed by Iran’, cops believe

Next THE suspected RAF Fairford bomb plot was carried out by low-level criminals being directed by Iran, cops believe. Seven men have been arrested after three “suspicious vehicles” pulled up outside the Gloucestershire base in the early hours of September 27. 4 Seven men have so far been arrested after three ‘suspicious vehicles’ pulled up outside the Gloucestershire base Credit: Free for editorial use 4 The suspected bomb plot was carried out by low-level crooks being directed by Iran, cops believe Credit: Reuters Advertisement Five men in their early 20s were arrested near the base shortly after, before a Brit-Iranian dual national was arrested in London on October 1. The seventh suspect, a 22-year-old British man, was also arrested in the capital, Counter Terrorism Police confirmed on Tuesday. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. US President Donald Trump has since pulled all American bombers from the base over fears of an Iranian drone attack. And detectives are now reportedly probing suggestions the suspects are low-level crooks who were being directed by a Middle East-based recruiter. read more on fairford ‘SITTING DUCKS’ Fairford residents at ‘rock bottom’ as they slam PM over lack of security 'TERROR' ARREST British man, 22, arrested over suspected RAF Fairford 'bomb plot' 4 Cops are also examining potential links to firebombing attacks against Jewish Londoners earlier this year Credit: Marc Giddings 4 US President Donald Trump has since pulled all American bombers from the base Credit: AP Cops are also examining potential links to firebombing attacks against Jewish Londoners earlier this year, The Times reports. The Met was investigating the possibility that Iranian proxy Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia could be behind the incidents in March and April. Advertisement But they were allegedly masterminded from a bunker in Iraq by 33-year-old Mohammad al-Saadi. Al-Saadi is accused of conspiring to provide material support to Iran ‘s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Most read in The Sun DOCTOR HIT Cops probing murder of celeb surgeon identify woman suspected of ordering hit TOP GEAR PAL My pal Ranulph Fiennes 'shouldn't be in a care home' Jeremy Clarkson blasts DEADLY DRUG Two Ole Miss students found dead on same day 'bought Kratom pills days before' GREENS 'CAPTURE' Green Party may have been captured by 'extremists & racists', warns top MP He is alleged to have hired proxies in Britain and directed them through FaceTime calls, according to US authorities. Officers were alerted to three “suspicious vehicles” by a local farmer who dialled 999 after getting no answer from the guardroom at the base. A report later claimed one of the suspects had phoned 999 on himself before their arrest. Advertisement The five suspects, from London, were bailed after police said a substance in drums in their three vans was found not to be a viable explosive. The Sun understands it was petrol. Speculation grew that the men could have been fuel thieves, after the UK’s counter-terror chief said a “quantity of petrol” was found. Cops are also said to be probing whether the incident was for surveillance, a “dry run” to test security or to send a message to the Government. Mr Trump has hit out repeatedly at UK cops for bailing the suspects, who he dubbed “seriously bad people” and “terrorists”. Advertisement He said the US had been involved in a “longstanding investigation” against the suspects. The US President had previously said the men should not have been bailed, while his secretary of state claimed a “foreign actor” was involved. Last week, the Pentagon confirmed every American bomber – including at least 10 B-1 bombers – deployed to Fairford had now returned home. According to US media reports, the withdrawal appears to be in response to fresh or renewed security concerns about safety on the base. Two officials told the New York Times that the hasty withdrawal followed “new threats” about a potential Iran-backed plot concerning the base. Advertisement Fears of a sinister foreign hand intensified after Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” Iran played a role in the incident. RECOMMENDED STORIES The alleged scheme came two months after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said the base was a “legitimate target”. Tehran has “categorically” denied any involvement.