Three men face terrorism charges in the United States over an alleged plot targeting the United Kingdom’s RAF Fairford air base.
Charges Announced Over RAF Fairford Plot
Federal prosecutors in the United States charged three men on Tuesday in connection with nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks across the US and Europe. The Department of Justice said that the suspects acted in support of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah.
The men are identified as Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, Mohsen Mohajeri, and Mohammad Ali al-Hassani. Al-Saadi is already jailed in New York, while prosecutors have not disclosed the whereabouts of Mohajeri and al-Hassani.
Did You Know? A major incident was declared on September 27 near RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds after three suspicious vans, some carrying barrels of fuel and disguised to look like delivery vehicles, were spotted near the perimeter.
Security Stakes at British Air Bases
The indictment centers on RAF Fairford in southwest England, where US forces and bombers had been stationed to deploy aircraft during the US war against Iran. Flight-tracking data showed that the US military removed at least a dozen aircraft from a second UK facility, RAF Mildenhall, following a threat from Iran.
Charging documents allege that al-Hassani directed individuals to drive vans to the base while communicating frequently with the drivers. “These defendants helped orchestrate a campaign of terror on behalf of terrorist organizations affiliated with Iran that targeted Jewish communities in Europe and the United States, and the British military base, RAF Fairford, housing American service members,” said Manhattan US Attorney Jamie McDonald.
Chronology of the Investigation
Police were called to RAF Fairford in the early hours of September 27 after a local farmer spotted men with white vans engaging in suspicious activity. Five men from London were arrested nearby in the village of Whelford on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses, and two British nationals appeared in court last month.
Days after the incident, the US withdrew all B-1 bombers from Fairford. Iran has strongly denied any involvement, with the Iranian embassy in London rejecting the allegations as unfounded speculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi currently held?
Al-Saadi has been held in US custody without bail in New York since May, after pleading not guilty to earlier charges involving attacks in Europe.
What materials did investigators find linked to the Fairford plot?
“procuring vans and barrels of fuel, researching the purchase of chemical accelerants, including large quantities of potassium chloride, and purchasing metallic objects that could be used as explosive shrapnel” was included in the statement, the DOJ alleged, although no explosive materials were found in the vans and police only seized quantities of petrol.
How has the Iranian government responded to the allegations?
The Iranian embassy in London categorically rejected and strongly condemned the claims, describing them as unfounded and malicious speculations.
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