US Charges Three Men in Plot to Attack RAF Fairford Linked to Iran

The United States Department of Justice charged three men this week with plotting a terrorist attack on RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The indictment links Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, Mohsen Mohajeri, and Mohammad Ali Al-Hassani to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Prosecutors claim the trio conducted surveillance and sought explosives to target the U.S.-utilized base. In August, Al-Hassani allegedly directed and paid associates in the UK to conduct preparatory steps and arrange logistics for the RAF Fairford terrorist plot. By August 22, investigators say Al-Hassani paid an individual to perform pre-operational surveillance of RAF Fairford’s perimeter.

The conspiracy moved forward in September as the suspects began 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. The group disguised three vans as fuel delivery and swimming pool supply vehicles to hide their intentions.

On September 26, Al-Hassani, who was in frequent communication with the drivers, ordered the vehicles to the base. Security roadblocks intercepted at least two of the vans. A local farmer reported the suspicious vehicles early on September 27, leading to a major incident declaration and the arrest of seven suspects.

Andy Burnham stated the incident was highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard. Police recovered a quantity of petrol at the scene, though they found no explosive materials.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband denounced the actions, stating: Iran’s continued attempts to undermine the security of the United Kingdom and international partners through its criminal networks, proxy groups and state-backed malign activity is unacceptable.

The United States joined over 20 nations in condemning Iran’s use of lethal plotting, arson, sabotage, cyber-attacks, and other hybrid activities. Following the incident, the Pentagon ordered all U.S. B-1 bombers at RAF Fairford to return to their home stations in the United States.

More on this story: Iran Link Suspected in RAF Base Terror Plot: Police Investigation