Questions surround counterterror probe into US air base after suspects were freed on bail

FAIRFORD, England (AP) — A surprise decision by the U.K.’s counterterror police to release five suspects on bail during an investigation into a suspected bomb plot targeting a U.S.-operated air force base in England has raised questions and concern from many, including U.S. Five young British men were arrested early Sunday on explosives and terrorism charges near the RAF Fairford base, which has been used by American bombers during decades of conflicts in the Middle East, including this year’s war with Iran. Counterterror detectives said they were investigating “multiple lines of inquiry,” including whether the suspects had a link to Iran.

The men — all British nationals in their 20s, according to police — were released on bail Monday. Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, stressed that the suspects face stringent conditions and “absolutely remain under investigation.” Trump told reporters on Monday he was surprised that the men were allowed to be freed. “I’m surprised that they released them.

I wouldn’t have done that,” he said. Rubio echoed the sentiment, saying: “I know a lot of people are disturbed by the news that some of these people have been released on bail, as some of the people are being investigated.” He added in an interview with Fox News that the case “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor,” but did not name a specific country or give more details. It appears police did not find explosives in suspicious vehicles A police cordon remained in place around three vans found near the Fairford base on Tuesday, as armed police and counterterrorism officers continued to examine the scene.

Earlier, army bomb-disposal experts used a robot to examine the vans. It wasn’t clear what was found inside the vehicles, but the decision to bail the suspects — and the fact that residents who were evacuated have started to return home — suggested that no viable explosives were found. A local farmer said she called police after seeing the vans blocking a road as she drove home late Saturday night, and that nearby she came across a group of men, some with their faces covered.

She said they ran away when they saw her vehicle. She declined to be identified because she was describing what she saw as potential security lapses. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Five young British men were arrested early Sunday on explosives and terrorism charges near the RAF Fairford base, which has been used by American bombers during decades of conflicts in the Middle East, including this year’s war with Iran.Counterterror detectives said they were investigating “multiple lines of inquiry,” including whether the suspects had a link to Iran.

Iran has denied involvement.The men — all British nationals in their 20s, according to police — were released on bail Monday. I wouldn’t have done that,” he said.Rubio echoed the sentiment, saying: “I know a lot of people are disturbed by the news that some of these people have been released on bail, as some of the people are being investigated.”He added in an interview with Fox News that the case “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor," but did not name a specific country or give more details.It appears police did not find explosives in suspicious vehiclesA police cordon remained in place around three vans found near the Fairford base on Tuesday, as armed police and counterterrorism officers continued to examine the scene.Earlier, army bomb-disposal experts used a robot to examine the vans. She said they ran away when they saw her vehicle.She declined to be identified because she was describing what she saw as potential security lapses.Officials hint at possible Iran rol…