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United Kingdom: Strategic developments in London
British police find no explosives in suspects' cars near US-used base Now on g1 The British counter-terrorism police said, this Tuesday (29), that they did not find explosives in the three vans of the five men arrested near RAF Fairford airbase, in southwest England. They were detained last Sunday (27), suspected of planning a terrorist attack with explosives. Agents only found gasoline in the vehicles. The suspects were released on bail on Monday (28), but continue to be investigated. The vans were examined by police officers, experts and military teams specialized in explosives. According to Laurence Taylor, head of British counter-terrorism police, no explosive device was found. The investigation continues. "The release of the five men does not mean that the investigation has ended," stated Taylor. RAF Fairford belongs to the British Air Force, but is used by the United States in military operations. The base played a role in American operations against Iran this year. Suspicion of foreign involvement British police state that they are analyzing several hypotheses to explain the presence of the five men and the vans near the base. One of the lines of investigation is the possibility that they acted, consciously or not, in the service of a foreign state. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the case involves "clearly a foreign actor." He did not present evidence to support the claim nor point to a specific country. Iran is among the possibilities being investigated. The Iranian government denied any involvement in the episode. US President Donald Trump also questioned the decision to release the suspects. "I would not have done that," he stated. Israel announces death of Hamas terrorist who kidnapped couple; VIDEO shows attack Trump criticizes release of suspects in planning attack in UK and cites possible link to Iran Lula says he does not accept classification of factions as terrorists: 'Terrorism was January 8th' How the investigation began Police were alerted early Sunday morning after a resident reported seeing three suspicious vehicles near the base. She also said she saw men with their faces covered. The five suspects are British, between 23 and 25 years old, and live in London, according to the police. Images of the vans showed that they were carrying barrels. One of them had a logo that appeared to be from a fuel transport company. The identification of the material initially led to the suspicion that the vans could be carrying explosives. However, after searches, police confirmed that no explosive device was found. Reinforced security The operation led to the temporary evacuation of residents from dozens of houses near the base. People were able to return home on Monday, but authorities cordoned off the perimeter of the site. On Tuesday, police began to reduce the cordoned-off area. According to Taylor, the expectation is to completely lift the restrictions by next Wednesday (30). Five suspects in preparing attack near US-used base are released on bail Bet Stansall / AFP
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