British counter-terrorism police said on Tuesday that no improvised explosive devices had been found as part of an investigation into a suspected plot targeting a British airbase used by US forces to strike Iran, according to France 24, The Straits Times and Reuters.
ABC News (Australia) and PBS NewsHour reported that petrol, but no explosives, was found in vehicles linked to the case. The vehicles were connected to five men who had been detained near the base and were later released on bail, according to PBS NewsHour and France 24.
France 24 and South China Morning Post both described the incident as deepening in mystery, noting that the discovery of petrol rather than explosives left uncertainty over what the suspects had allegedly been planning.
The base at the center of the investigation is used by US forces, including for strikes on Iran, according to France 24 and The Straits Times.
How each side covered it
Left
- Reported that petrol, but no explosives, was found in vehicles tied to the suspects.
- Noted that five men detained near the base had been linked to the vehicles.
“British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base” — PBS NewsHour
Center
- Led with the police statement that no improvised explosive devices were found.
- Reported the discovery of a 'quantity of petrol' in the investigation.
- Noted five UK-based suspects were released on bail a day before the police statement.
- Described the incident as deepening in mystery given the lack of explosives found.
“Mystery over UK airbase scare as police find 'quantity of petrol' but no explosives” — France 24
Questions readers ask
What happened at the UK airbase?
British counter-terrorism police investigated a suspected plot targeting a British airbase used by US forces to strike Iran, but said no improvised explosive devices were found, according to France 24, The Straits Times and Reuters.
Were explosives found in the suspects' vehicles?
No. Police found petrol but no explosives in vehicles linked to the suspects, according to ABC News (Australia) and PBS NewsHour.
What happened to the suspects?
Five UK-based men who had been detained near the base were released on bail, according to PBS NewsHour and France 24.
Why is the incident still unclear?
France 24 and South China Morning Post reported that mystery deepened around the incident because petrol, not explosives, was found, leaving the intended purpose of the alleged plot unresolved.
Sources · 8 outlet reports
- ABC News (Australia)Left-leaningPetrol but no explosives found in suspect vehicles near UK air base
- HuffPostLeft-leaningBritish Police Find No Explosives After Arrests Near U.S.-Run Military Base
- PBS NewsHourLeft-leaningBritish police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base
- The MirrorLeft-leaningTerror cops probing RAF Fairford 'plot' discovered 'quantity of petrol' in vans
- France 24CenterMystery over UK airbase scare as police find petrol but no explosives
- ReutersCenterUK police say no explosive devices found in airbase probe
- South China Morning PostCenterMystery over UK airbase scare as police find petrol, not explosives
- The Straits TimesCenterUK police say no explosive devices found in airbase probe