Five men held over suspected RAF Fairford terror plot released: Was it a hoax?

Five men arrested over a suspected terror plot near a British airbase used by the United States during its attacks on Iran have been released on bail.

The suspects, all British nationals, were arrested early Sunday near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after police were alerted to three suspicious vans heading towards the base.

They were initially held on suspicion of explosives offences and were later also arrested on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism.

Counter-terrorism police confirmed Monday that all five had now been released.

They remain under investigation and have been given strict bail conditions, including restrictions on their movements and who they can contact.

Police haven't said what was found inside the three vans or explained exactly what they believe the men were planning.

The incident led to a major security operation around RAF Fairford.

Around 85 homes were evacuated and a 400-meter cordon was put in place while bomb disposal teams examined the vehicles.

The location has added another layer to the investigation.

RAF Fairford is used by the US Air Force and was involved in American operations during attacks on Iran.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards had previously warned Britain that bases used to launch attacks against Iranian territory could become targets.

But British police have not accused Iran, or any other country, of being behind the incident.

Investigators said they are looking into whether anyone acting for or on behalf of a foreign state may have been involved.

US President Donald Trump has claimed the suspects intended to cause “big damage,” but British authorities have so far released few details about the alleged plot.