US Says Three Iran-Backed Suspects Plotted Attacks, Including RAF Fairford Incident

U.S. prosecutors have charged three men over alleged attack plots across Europe and the United States, including a planned operation targeting RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by American forces. The superseding indictment names Mohsen Mohajeri, Mohammad Ali al-Hassani and Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi. Prosecutors allege that the men worked with Iran-linked groups and coordinated attacks through an overseas network. However, the allegations have not yet been proven in court, and Iran has denied involvement in the RAF Fairford incident.

RAF Fairford plays a key role in U.S. military operations in Europe because it serves as a major base for American Air Force bombers. U.S. forces also used the airbase during their bombing campaign against Iran. In July, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that bases used by the United States to attack Iran, including RAF Fairford, would be considered “legitimate targets.” The warning has added to concerns over the security of the British base and its importance to American military activity in the region.

RAF Fairford Plot: Surveillance, Fuel-Laden Vans and Arrests in England

According to the indictment, Mohammad Ali al-Hassani helped organize the alleged plot against RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. Prosecutors say he directed and paid associates in the UK during August. On August 22, he allegedly paid an individual to film the perimeter of the airbase. The indictment also describes plans to use several vans carrying barrels of fuel. Prosecutors allege that the vehicles resembled commercial vans to hide their intended purpose.

The alleged plot came to light in late September, after a local farmer reported suspicious activity involving several white vans near the airbase. Prosecutors say the suspects directed three vans towards RAF Fairford on September 26. However, at least two encountered a security roadblock and could not proceed as planned. British police later arrested seven men in connection with the investigation. Officers seized petrol but found no explosives in the vans. In addition, the United States withdrew its B-1B bombers from RAF Fairford following the incident, while British police charged two British men with national security offences linked to the case. The investigation has raised fresh questions about security at RAF Fairford and the protection of a key base supporting U.S. military operations in Europe.

Prosecutors Link Three Suspects to Iran-Backed Groups in Nearly 20 Alleged Attacks

The indictment links three defendants to nearly 20 alleged attacks and attempted attacks across Europe and the United States. Prosecutors accuse them of acting on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iraqi militia Kata’ib Hezbollah, both designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the United States. Prosecutors also allege that the network targeted Jewish communities. U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald said the suspects helped organize these attacks and the alleged RAF Fairford plot, continuing their activities through overseas contacts even after a co-conspirator entered federal custody.

Al-Saadi was already in federal custody in New York, awaiting trial on separate terrorism charges. However, prosecutors allege that he continued coordinating with overseas associates through coded messages passed by family members. Earlier this year, they charged him over alleged attacks in Europe and an attempted attack on a Manhattan synagogue. The latest eight-count indictment also includes a charge of conspiring to bomb a place of public use. All three defendants remain presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charges in court. The investigation continues to examine the alleged network’s activities across Europe and the United States.

Web Resources On US Charges Three Over RAF Fairford Plot

1. BBC : Three Iran-backed suspects plotted attacks including RAF Fairford incident, US says.
2. The Guardian : US prosecutors charge Iranian operative allegedly responsible for UK air force base attack.
3. France 24 : US charges three ‘Iranian operatives’ over RAF Fairford terror plot.
4. Academic Block : British-Iranian Man Arrested as RAF Fairford Investigation Expands.
5. Academic Block : UK Police Arrest Five Men on Terror Suspicions Near US-Used Air Base.