British counter-terrorism police are investigating a suspected bomb plot targeting Royal Air Force Fairford. The air base has been used by American bombers during decades of conflicts in the Middle East, including this year's war with Iran. The prospect of an attack on the facility prompted stepped-up protections across Europe.
As part of a huge security operation near the air base, five men were arrested. However, police reported that no improvised explosive devices or explosives were found in the vehicles searched during the investigation.
The failure to detect explosives and a surprise decision to release the five suspects on bail have prompted questions and uncertainty surrounding the case. British counter-terrorism police stated that the decision to release the suspects was based on experience and strategy.