Next 9/11 terror attack might be planned where we’re not looking, UK spy chief warns
British counter-terrorism police arrested seven suspects after thwarting a plot to attack RAF Fairford. The air base is used by U.S. bombers for operations against Iran. This event follows warnings from MI5 that Iranian-backed actors are targeting British military installations through terrorism, sabotage, and cyber attacks. The arrests highlight a shift toward concrete threats against rural military sites, coinciding with broader national security warnings about state-sponsored aggression and the use of advanced technology by extremists to strike the UK.
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- ✓ British counter-terrorism police arrested seven suspects in connection with a foiled plot targeting RAF Fairford.
- ✓ RAF Fairford is used by U.S. bombers during operations against Iran.
What changed
Police arrested seven suspects following a foiled attack on RAF Fairford.
Live updates
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UK Police Foil Terror Plot Targeting RAF Fairford Air Base
British counter-terrorism police arrested seven suspects after thwarting a plot to attack RAF Fairford. The air base is used by U.S. bombers for operations against Iran. This event follows warnings from MI5 that Iranian-backed actors are targeting British military installations through terrorism, sabotage, and cyber attacks. The arrests highlight a shift toward concrete threats against rural military sites, coinciding with broader national security warnings about state-sponsored aggression and the use of advanced technology by extremists to strike the UK.
Why it matters
MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum previously warned that the UK faces its highest threat level since the Cold War. Current risks include right-wing extremism and state-sponsored attacks from Russia and Iran. This specific plot targets a facility hosting foreign military assets during active regional conflicts.
What is confirmed
- British counter-terrorism police arrested seven suspects in connection with a foiled plot targeting RAF Fairford.
- RAF Fairford is used by U.S. bombers during operations against Iran.
Still unconfirmed
- Iranian-backed terrorism, sabotage, and cyber attacks against British military targets cannot be defeated by bombing Tehran's military.
What to watch next
- Official charges filed against the seven suspects
- MI5 updates on Iranian state involvement in the Fairford plot
- Changes to security protocols at rural UK air bases
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
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MI5 Chief Warns UK Faces Highest Security Threat Since Cold War
MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum states the UK has entered a new era of national security with the most threats since the Cold War. He warns of multiple dangers including state attacks from Russia and Iran, cyber security risks, and terrorism. McCallum highlighted a marked trend of right-wing extremists moving from anti-immigration or anti-Muslim views toward violence. The agency warns that terrorists may utilize AI to target the UK with drones and other weapons as part of these escalating threats.
Why it matters
These warnings follow a suspected plot targeting the US-run RAF Fairford airbase, which led to seven arrests. Previous reports indicated Pentagon concerns over mass drone attacks similar to a June 2025 event that destroyed ten Russian aircraft. Intelligence officials have also flagged the potential radicalization of commercial pilots for 9/11-style attacks.
What is confirmed
- MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum stated the UK faces the most threats since the Cold War.
- The UK faces multiple threats from Russia and Iran state attacks.
- Right-wing extremists are increasingly likely to move from anti-immigration or anti-Muslim views to violence.
Still unconfirmed
- Terrorists could use AI to target the UK with drones.
- Tehran wants Britain to feel it poses a risk despite skepticism about its actual capabilities.
What to watch next
- Details on the specific AI-driven drone capabilities identified by MI5
- Updates on the prosecution of the seven suspects linked to the RAF Fairford plot
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.theguardian.com — After RAF Fairford incident, how big a threat to the UK is Iran? | UK security and counter-terrorism
- jen.jiji.com — "Ruthless and calculating with an insatiable sexual appetite": the harsh accusations in court against Russell Brand
- www.mirror.co.uk — MI5 warning UK faces multiple terror attack threats on post 9 ...
- www.independent.co.uk — Terrorists could use AI to target UK with drones and ...
- www.lbc.co.uk — 'In this new world, we should expect to be tested': MI5 chief ...
- www.theguardian.com — Rightwing extremists increasingly likely to consider ...
- www.youtube.com — IN FULL: MI5 Spy Chief warns UK faces multiple terror attack ...
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Iran-Linked Plots Threaten UK Airbase and Aviation Security
Britain faces an escalating security crisis following a suspected terror plot targeting the US-run RAF Fairford airbase, prompting the arrest of a seventh suspect, a 22-year-old man. Authorities detained seven individuals in connection with the Gloucestershire base investigation. Pentagon officials withdrew bombers from RAF Fairford due to fears of an Operation Spiderweb-style mass drone attack, mirroring a June 2025 incident that destroyed ten Russian aircraft. Meanwhile, experts warn that Tehran increasingly relies on covert operations and proxies to maintain deniability, while former intelligence officials flag potential new tactics involving the radicalization of commercial airline pilots for 9/11-style attacks.
Why it matters
The investigation at RAF Fairford highlights mounting vulnerabilities at military installations used by the United States to strike Iranian targets. Intelligence assessments indicate that the shadow war involving Iran, alongside aggression from Russia and China, presents the United Kingdom with its most severe security challenge since the September 11 attacks. Authorities continue to scrutinize perimeter security and the potential for proxy operatives to execute mass-casualty strikes.
What is confirmed
- A seventh man, aged 22, was arrested in connection with the investigation into a suspected terror plot at the Gloucestershire RAF Fairford base.
- Pentagon officials withdrew bombers from RAF Fairford over worries of an Operation Spiderweb-style mass drone attack following a June 2025 incident that destroyed ten Russian aircraft.
- A U.S.-run military air base in England faced Iranian-related threats intended to kill American troops and destroy U.S. planes.
Still unconfirmed
- The hijacking of a Dubai airliner carrying Israeli passengers may mark the start of an Iranian tactic recruiting real pilots for 9/11-style attacks.
- Iran may increasingly rely on covert attacks and proxies to threaten adversaries with deniability.
What to watch next
- Further official disclosures regarding the full details of the suspected plan at RAF Fairford
- Additional arrests or charges arising from the ongoing police investigation into the airbase plot
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.foxnews.com — Iran could move shadow war in a dangerous direction, experts warn on back of two possible terror attacks
- www.dailymail.com — Iran 'plot for Operation Spiderweb-style mass drone attack in the UK' made US withdraw bombers from RAF Fairford
- metro.co.uk — Seventh man arrested over RAF Fairford 'terror plot' | News UK
- www.nextinsurance.com — Small Business Insurance Quotes | ERGO NEXT Insurance
- nypost.com — Iran’s terrifying new terror tactic may be turning airline ...
- www.theguardian.com — Not since 9/11 has the UK faced such a security crisis – and ...
- issivs.com — Suspected UK airbase terror plot puts perimeter security in ...
- www.newsday.com — Base in UK faced Iran-linked threats to kill US troops and ...
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MI5 Chief Warns of New Strategic Shock as Iran-Linked Plot Investigation Expands
The head of MI5 warned that a strategic shock similar to the 9/11 attacks could be in preparation in unexpected areas. This warning coincides with an escalating investigation into a foiled terror plot at RAF Fairford, a base used by the US to strike Iranian targets. British police arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. The British Prime Minister confirmed Iran is believed to be involved in the incident, while US and UK officials specifically suspect the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
Why it matters
RAF Fairford serves as a critical hub for US Air Force missions in the Middle East. The current investigation follows the discovery of explosives and a suspicious incident involving three vans on September 27. Tensions are high as US President Donald Trump previously criticized the UK for releasing five suspects on bail.
What is confirmed
- The head of MI5 stated a new strategic shock along the lines of 9/11 could be in preparation where intelligence services are not looking.
- British police arrested a dual UK-Iranian national on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
- The British Prime Minister confirmed that Iran is believed to be involved in the foiled terror incident at the UK base used by the US Air Force.
- US President Donald Trump stated those involved in the plot planned big damage.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to the hands of a foreign actor in the plot.
Still unconfirmed
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps may be behind the foiled terror plot near RAF Fairford.
- Three vans approached the base on September 27, leading to a police response after one occupant called emergency services.
What to watch next
- Official charges filed against the arrested UK-Iranian national
- Formal diplomatic attribution of the plot to the IRGC by the UK government
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- nypost.com — UK-Iranian dual national arrested in connection to suspected ...
- nypost.com — Iran is behind 'terror plot' at US bomber base in UK, British ...
- jen.jiji.com — Aurora Ramazzotti and Nikita Perotti in first place in the Dancing with the Stars ranking: what happened
- metro.co.uk — Terror police arrest Iranian, 27, in London raids linked to ...
- www.jpost.com — What do we know about the suspected Iranian plot to attack UK's Fairford airbase? - explainer
- jen.jiji.com — Affari Tuoi, tonight it's not on air (again): here's when De Martino returns
- cde.news — Next 9/11 shock might be being planned where we’re not ...
- www.timesnownews.com — UK and US Officials Believe Iran's IRGC May Be Behind RAF ...
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Trump Criticizes UK Release of Suspects in RAF Fairford Plot
United States President Donald Trump criticized the United Kingdom for releasing five suspects on bail following a suspected terror plot targeting Royal Air Force Fairford. British counterterrorism police continue to investigate the explosives found near the English air base, which the United States uses to strike Iranian targets. Wes Streeting defended the security forces, stating that a farmer who accused officials of dropping the ball possessed only a partial picture of the situation. Detectives are probing potential connections to a foreign state.
Why it matters
The investigation centers on a critical military installation utilized by United States forces in England. The incident highlights ongoing scrutiny over security protocols at vital defense sites and strains international cooperation between Washington and London.
What is confirmed
- Five men suspected of preparing a terrorist act near an English air base used by the United States were released on bail on Monday afternoon.
- US President Donald Trump criticized the United Kingdom and said he was surprised the five suspects were released.
- British counterterror detectives are examining suspected explosives found near a U.S.-operated air force base in England.
- Wes Streeting indicated that a farmer who alerted police and said security forces had dropped the ball only had a partial picture.
Still unconfirmed
- Counterterrorism police are investigating possible connections between the suspects and a foreign state.
What to watch next
- Decisions by British authorities regarding further charges or re-arrests of the suspects released on bail.
- Official updates from counterterrorism detectives examining the explosives found near the air base.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.theguardian.com — UK security forces were aware of RAF Fairford suspected bomb ...
- www.cnn.com — Trump criticizes UK for releasing suspects in alleged terror plot targeting base used by US
- www.deseret.com — U.K. police arrest 5 in suspected terror plot – Deseret News
- www.mercurynews.com — What to know about the suspected bomb plot against a US-run ...
- www.abc.net.au — Men accused of planning terrorist attack near RAF base used ...
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Five Men Charged After Foiled Terror Plot Near U.S. Base in UK
British counterterrorism police are investigating five men arrested near Royal Air Force Fairford, a critical bomber base utilized by United States forces, on suspicion of explosives offenses and preparing a terrorist act. Former intelligence officials warn that the complex, coordinated plot may have a potential Iran link, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities at military installations. While the suspects face terrorism charges, former National Counter Terrorism Security Office head Chris Phillips cautions that unlocated bomb factories may still pose active risks to security.
Why it matters
This development follows warnings from the head of MI5 regarding blind spots in intelligence and the growing danger of attacks originating in overlooked areas. Modern security challenges also increasingly encompass electronic warfare and infrastructure threats, such as potential nationwide GPS losses.
What is confirmed
- Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of explosives offenses and preparing a terrorist act.
- British counterterrorism police are probing a possible Iran link to the terror plot.
Still unconfirmed
- There may still be an active bomb factory out there following the foiled plot.
What to watch next
- Developments from British counterterrorism police regarding the suspected Iran link
- Official updates on whether additional suspects or unlocated bomb factories are discovered
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- nypost.com — united kingdom | Latest News | New York Post
- www.foxnews.com — We spent decades preparing for another 9/11. Another attack may look totally different
- www.europesays.com — Former intel official warns UK terror plot could reshape US ...
- www.foxnews.com — Former intel official warns UK terror plot could reshape US ...
- www.newsweek.com — US military sites still at risk after foiled plot, ex terror ...
- time.com — U.K. Counterterrorism Police Investigate Suspected Plot Near ...
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MI5 Chief Warns Britain Faces Greater Terror Danger Than on 9/11
The head of MI5 warns that Britain faces a higher level of danger now than it did on September 11, 2001. In a rare public intervention, the spy chief cautioned that a new strategic shock or a 9/11-scale attack could be planned in areas where security services are not currently looking. He also noted that critical national security decisions may now be made in corporate boardrooms. These warnings coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 2001 attacks.
Why it matters
The 2001 terror attacks killed nearly 3,000 people, including 67 British citizens. Newly declassified CIA documents released by Director John Ratcliffe indicate Osama Bin Laden intended to attack the UK as early as 1998.
What is confirmed
- The head of MI5 stated Britain faces greater danger now than on 9/11.
- The MI5 chief warned that a 9/11-style shock might be planned where security forces are not looking.
- The 2001 terror attacks killed nearly 3,000 people, including 67 British citizens.
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe released President's Daily Brief products marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Still unconfirmed
- Critical national security decisions may be taken in boardrooms.
- Declassified presidential memos show the CIA had strong indications Osama Bin Laden wanted to attack the UK in 1998.
What to watch next
- Specific intelligence on the nature of the strategic shock mentioned by MI5
- Further declassifications from the CIA regarding pre-2001 UK terror plots
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- New York Post — Next 9/11 terror attack might be planned where we’re not looking, UK spy chief warns
- reuters.com — Next 9/11 shock might be being planned where we're not looking, UK's MI5 chief says
- Sky News — Head of MI5 issues 'call to arms' in rare public intervention
- The Telegraph — MI5 chief: Britain faces greater danger now than on 9/11
- ua.news — MI5 chief in the UK warns of a new strategic shock
- Forces News — Critical natsec decisions may be taken in boardrooms, MI5 chief warns on 25th anniversary of 9/11
- nypost.com — Shocking video shows small plane crashing nose-first— with pilot pulled out alive
- www.dailymail.com — Osama Bin Laden wanted to attack Britain years before 9/11, top secret document reveals
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