Mystery over UK airbase scare as police find petrol not explosives

A UK investigation into a suspected bomb plot at the Royal Air Force Fairford airbase, which is used by the United States for strikes on Iran, has been marred by uncertainty as police revealed no explosives were found, but a quantity of petrol was recovered from vehicles seized nearby. The incident occurred on Sunday after a resident observed several vans acting suspiciously, leading to an evacuation of a nearby village and the declaration of a major incident.

Authorities later confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found in the vehicles, but they recovered a significant amount of petrol. National Counter Terrorism Policing head Laurence Taylor stated that no improvised explosive devices were discovered, but a quantity of petrol was recovered. The arrest of five London-based Britons, who were later released on bail, has sparked confusion and speculation.

Washington criticized their release, and US President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the decision, stating he wouldn't have made the same choice. Iran's embassy in London vehemently rejected any involvement in the speculation. The scare resulted in the evacuation of 85 homes in a neighboring village, with many residents having to stay elsewhere for at least a night.

Police have been searching homes in London and plan to conclude their investigative operations by Wednesday. The incident drew attention to the heightened security at the US airbase, which has been used for specific defensive operations against Iran since March.