--- title: "🚨 HOLY CRAP! UK authorities are RELEASING the 5 suspected terrorists who got …" source: "https://x.com/ericldaugh/status/2104586409084325912" platform: "X / Twitter" factual_accuracy: 95 overall_accuracy: 86 tags: ["release on bail", "domestic terrorism", "military base", "UK politics", "public safety concerns", "terrorism investigation"] --- # Source fact-check: 🚨 HOLY CRAP! UK authorities are RELEASING the 5 suspected terrorists who got … Original post: https://x.com/ericldaugh/status/2104586409084325912 Factual accuracy: 95% · Overall accuracy: 86% ## Source post **Target post by @ericldaugh** > 🚨 HOLY CRAP! UK authorities are RELEASING the 5 suspected terrorists who got close to bombing/attacking RAF Fairford base, which is used by American troops > > RELEASED ON BAIL. > > This is UTTER MADNESS! > > "Following extensive interviews...the 5 men who were arrested are being released on police bail this afternoon." > > "This does not mean the investigation is over. They are subject to stringent conditions." > > Why would they do this?! KEEP THEM BEHIND BARS > > Under NO CONDITIONS should they be released. Even President Trump said we knew about this would-be attack before it happened > > Now they're going back into society? THE UK IS COOKED unless this soft-on-crime BS stops! > [attached video 0](https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/2104586293137092609/vid/avc1/1920x1080/us-hSETL01yZ4kpT.mp4?tag=29) > > Video transcript: Diolch yn fawr i'r Cyngor Cymdeithasol, Lawrence Taylor, y Rheolwr Cantr-terorisme Cynulliadol Cymru. Rwyf yma i roi adroddiad ar y gynllunio i'r incydent a ddechreuodd yn ymlaen yn ystod ystod ymlaen i RAAF Fairford yn Gloustershire, ac mae swyddogion Cantr-terorisme yn arwain. Yn ystod ystod ystod y dydd, roedd cydweithwyr yn Gloustershire Police yn derbyn adroddiad o ffyrdd anodd o'r cyd-drein RAAF Fairford. O ganlyniad y wybodaeth hwnnw, ymgeisiodd swyddogion ymddygiad ac arosodd pum dyn ar ymddangosiad o ddiffygion o dan y Ddeddf Ysbwysedd ac, yn ddiweddar, gynhyrchu Ddeddf Dderfynol o dan Ddeddf Dderfynol 5. Roedd y dyn wedi bod yn mynd i fynd mewn tri ffyrdd. Ym mis dydd, mae'r ffyrdd hynny wedi cael eu hysbysebu am ymchwil hir, gyda'r cefnogaeth o asetau byd-leol a phorensigwyr. Mae gennym ni gwasanaethau pwysig yn dal i llinell ac mae Cordon yn parhau i ddod o hyd yn oed yn y lle pan fydd ymchwilwyr yn parhau eu gwaith Ond rydym yn gobeithio i leihau hyn ymlaen heddiw a chael ymweld â'r arwain yn ôl i'w gartrefi a byddwn yn darparu adnoddau ymlaen ar hyn yn ystod y cwrs. Rwy'n gwybod i'r bobl sy'n alw'r ardal hon a'r RAA Fairford Home bod hyn wedi bod yn un o'r digwyddiadau sy'n fawr. Diolch am eich cefnogi a'ch cymorth. Rwy'n gallu cyfathrebu bod, ar ôl cymorthau a chyfweliadau, y pum menyw a gafodd eu cyfweliad, yn cael eu llwyddo ar y bail polis y bore yma. I fod yn glir iawn, nid yw hyn yn golygu bod y gweithgaredd wedi'i ddiweddar. Maen nhw'n cael eu cymryd i mewn i beiriant sy'n sylweddol ar eu symud a'u cysylltu â'u gilydd. Maen nhw'n sicr yn parhau i ddod o hyd i'r gweithgaredd, wrth i ni ysbrydoli nifer o ffyrdd o gyfweliad. Rwyf hefyd yn gwybod bod cwmpas sylweddol o ran a oes gennydd y cyd-destun geoligol gyda'r cyd-destun hon. ## Post analysis Verdict: 86% · Model: DeepSeek V4.1 Flash · Checked on: 29/09/2026 ##### Reasoning - The post's core factual assertions are all well-supported by the verified claims: five men were arrested near RAF Fairford[^1], the base hosts US forces[^2], the men were released on police bail on the afternoon of 28 September 2026[^3], the investigation remained ongoing[^4], and the release was subject to stringent conditions[^5]. - The quote embedded in the post ("This does not mean the investigation is over. They are subject to stringent conditions.") is accurately reproduced from counter-terror police[^4][^5]. - The Trump assertion is fairly characterized as a *statement* Trump made — he said the suspects had been "under investigation for a long time"[^6]. However, the post uses it to imply foreknowledge of a specific "would-be attack" before it happened, whereas reporting suggests the incident may have been foiled by a passing driver's tip; the extent of genuine advance knowledge is contested[^6]. This is a mild overreach but the claim only concerns what Trump said, which is confirmed. - The central weakness is framing rather than fact. The post presents the bail release as "utter madness" / "soft-on-crime BS" without acknowledging the legally standard context: releasing suspects on stringent police bail while an investigation continues is a routine UK procedure, not an abandonment of the case — which the post itself quotes. This editorial slant is opinion, but it colors the reader's impression that the release equals leniency or dropped charges. - No claim in the list is false; the only real overstatement is the solicitation of a "we knew beforehand" narrative that is more contested than presented[^6]. **Overall validity**: 86% [^1]: [Five men were arrested in connection with a plot to bomb or attack RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire, UK, around September 28, 2026.](#f777ce14-3ce2-414f-9790-745aa554b89e) [^2]: [RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire, UK, is used by American troops.](#a4e75a65-e5f3-46fe-b2b6-38ef8730b4cd) [^3]: [The five men arrested in connection with the RAF Fairford plot were released on police bail on the afternoon of September 28, 2026.](#cd288204-01da-4b0b-aaaa-3c6474d6de39) [^4]: [The investigation into the RAF Fairford plot was ongoing as of September 28, 2026, despite the release of the five arrested men.](#a78d9166-4eb6-4c96-8575-beadaeac8adf) [^5]: [The five men released on police bail in connection with the RAF Fairford plot on September 28, 2026, are subject to stringent conditions.](#36a18385-d4da-4205-b138-f9325b902528) [^6]: [President Trump stated that the US knew about the would-be attack on RAF Fairford before it happened.](#4da41ce1-5915-4684-a6e8-4be8c09016be) ## Claims found (6) ### 1. Five men were arrested in connection with a plot to bomb or attack RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire, UK, around September 28, 2026. — 95% Model: DeepSeek V4.1 Flash · Checked on: 29/09/2026 · Detail: /claim/f777ce14-3ce2-414f-9790-745aa554b89e - Multiple independent outlets confirm five men were arrested near RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, on the morning of 27 September 2026 (reported 28 September), after a report of three suspicious vehicles heading toward the base[^1][^2][^3][^4]. - Police initially arrested them on suspicion of Explosives Act offences and then on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act; a major incident was declared, a 400m cordon set up, and \~85 homes evacuated[^3][^5][^6]. - The detained men were described as UK nationals from London in their 20s, and were later released on bail[^7][^3]. - The base is a US Air Force hub used in operations against Iran, which is the reported context[^3][^4][^1]. The core claim is accurate: five men were arrested in connection with an alleged explosives/terror plot targeting RAF Fairford, dated to about 28 September 2026. **Overall validity**: 95% [^1]: [Tipster in RAF Fairford plot had 'partial picture,' British minister says amid probe - ABC News](https://abcnews.com/International/tipster-raf-fairford-plot-partial-picture-british-minister/story?id=136815488) [^2]: [Five arrested near UK RAF base over suspected explosives ‘terror’ plot | Military | Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/9/27/five-arrested-near-uk-raf-base-over-suspected-explosives-terror-plot) [^3]: [2026 RAF Fairford arrests - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_RAF_Fairford_arrests) [^4]: [‘Terror’ incident near RAF base used for Iran war: What we know | Military News | Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/28/terror-incident-near-raf-base-used-for-iran-war-what-we-know) [^5]: [LIVE: Five Arrested in UK Over ‘Terrorist Act’ Plot Near RAF Fairford](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH2DkIqWmBg) [^6]: [RAF Fairford Terror Arrests: Five Held Near US Bomber Base](https://migflug.com/afterburner/it/raf-fairford-terror-arrests-five-men-whelford-b-1b-base-2026) [^7]: [Men held over suspected RAF Fairford terror plot are UK nationals from London](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg7Onb0m1Ao) ### 2. RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire, UK, is used by American troops. — 99% Model: DeepSeek V4.1 Flash · Checked on: 29/09/2026 · Detail: /claim/a4e75a65-e5f3-46fe-b2b6-38ef8730b4cd The claim is well supported by multiple sources. - RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station located in Gloucestershire, UK, but it hosts United States Air Force personnel; it is listed as a "US Visiting Forces" station operated by the US Air Force[^1]. - It is home to the 501st Combat Support Wing Headquarters and the 420th Air Base Squadron, and serves as USAFE's only bomber forward operating location, used by the U.S. Air Force nearly continuously since 1944[^2][^3]. - Reporting from a US military buildup at the base describes US military personnel and ground crew preparing bombers there, and notes it hosts USAF personnel[^4][^5]. **Overall validity**: 99% [^1]: [RAF Fairford - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Fairford) [^2]: [RAF Fairford-Welford](https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/Pathfinder-Portal/RAF-Fairford-Welford) [^3]: [RAF Fairford | RAF Croughton FSS](https://rafcroughtonfss.com/raf-fairford) [^4]: [US military prepare ordnance at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn87kmlnzdyo) [^5]: [Licensable picture: RAF Fairford airbase amid a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran | Reuters Connect](https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/raf-fairford-airbase-amid-a-ceasefire-between-the-us-and-iran/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX1JDMlRVS0FZSFpDVQ) ### 3. The five men arrested in connection with the RAF Fairford plot were released on police bail on the afternoon of September 28, 2026. — 97% Model: DeepSeek V4.1 Flash · Checked on: 29/09/2026 · Detail: /claim/cd288204-01da-4b0b-aaaa-3c6474d6de39 **Reasoning:** - Multiple independent, authoritative sources confirm five men were arrested on 27 September 2026 near RAF Fairford on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences[^1][^2][^3][^4]. - The head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, confirmed the five were "released on police bail this afternoon" — i.e., the afternoon of 28 September 2026[^5]. - The BBC reports the five men arrested near RAF Fairford were released on police bail[^6], and the Guardian, publishing at 07:56–18:02 EDT on 28 September, confirms the same[^7]. - Counter Terrorism Policing's official update was timestamped 16:00 on 28 September 2026, matching the "afternoon" timing[^2][^1]. - All five were UK nationals in their 20s from London, released subject to stringent conditions, with the investigation continuing[^6][^8]. **Overall validity**: 97% [^1]: [2026 RAF Fairford arrests - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_RAF_Fairford_arrests) [^2]: [Tipster in RAF Fairford plot had 'partial picture,' British minister says amid probe - ABC News](https://abcnews.com/International/tipster-raf-fairford-plot-partial-picture-british-minister/story?id=136815488) [^3]: [Five arrested near UK RAF base over suspected explosives ‘terror’ plot | Military | Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/9/27/five-arrested-near-uk-raf-base-over-suspected-explosives-terror-plot) [^4]: [‘Terror’ incident near RAF base used for Iran war: What we know | Military News | Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/28/terror-incident-near-raf-base-used-for-iran-war-what-we-know) [^5]: [Five terror suspects freed on bail as UK police keep investigation open](https://kfoxtv.com/news/nation-world/five-terror-suspects-freed-on-bail-as-uk-police-keep-investigation-open-british-men-arrested-iran) [^6]: [Five men arrested in RAF Fairford incident released on police bail](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6e9elmpvglno) [^7]: [Five UK nationals arrested near RAF Fairford released on bail | UK news | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/28/men-arrested-raf-fairford-counter-terrorism-police) [^8]: [BREAKING: Five British men arrested over suspected terrorism offences near RAF Fairford](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jagF8RwsLnU) ### 4. The investigation into the RAF Fairford plot was ongoing as of September 28, 2026, despite the release of the five arrested men. — 95% Model: DeepSeek V4.1 Flash · Checked on: 29/09/2026 · Detail: /claim/a78d9166-4eb6-4c96-8575-beadaeac8adf Based on my research, the claim checks out. - On Sunday 27 September 2026, five UK nationals in their 20s from London were arrested near RAF Fairford (Whelford, Gloucestershire) after police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles; they were initially held under the Explosives Act and then further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act[^1][^2]. - The five men were released on police bail on Monday 28 September 2026, under stringent conditions on their movement and contact[^3][^2][^4]. - Counter-terror police (Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor) explicitly said the release "does not mean the investigation is over," that the men "absolutely remain under investigation," and that officers were exploring "multiple lines of enquiry," including possible involvement of proxies or individuals working on behalf of a foreign state[^3][^2][^5]. - Multiple outlets (ITV, BBC, Guardian, CNN-News18) confirm the investigation was ongoing at the time of the release on 28 September 2026[^2][^4][^3][^6][^5]. **Overall validity**: 95% [^1]: [RAF Fairford Terror Arrests: Five Held Near US Bomber Base](https://migflug.com/afterburner/fr/raf-fairford-terror-arrests-five-men-whelford-b-1b-base-2026) [^2]: [Five men arrested in RAF Fairford incident released on police bail](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6e9elmpvglno) [^3]: [Five men arrested near RAF Fairford released on bail, counter terror police say | ITV News](https://www.itv.com/news/2026-09-28/five-men-arrested-near-raf-fairford-released-on-bail-counter-terror-police-say) [^4]: [Five UK nationals arrested near RAF Fairford released on bail | UK news | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/28/men-arrested-raf-fairford-counter-terrorism-police) [^5]: [BREAKING: UK Releases 5 Suspects in Alleged Terror Plot at RAF Fairford Base Hosting US Forces](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRSTtJsZYBk) [^6]: [RAF Fairford: Rubio says ‘foreign actor’ behind suspected plot as some evacuated residents begin to return home – as it happened | UK news | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2026/sep/29/raf-fairford-counter-terror-suspected-plot-iran-donald-trump-marco-rubio-latest-news-updates) ### 5. The five men released on police bail in connection with the RAF Fairford plot on September 28, 2026, are subject to stringent conditions. — 92% Model: DeepSeek V4.1 Flash · Checked on: 29/09/2026 · Detail: /claim/36a18385-d4da-4205-b138-f9325b902528 The claim is directly supported by multiple sources. - BBC News reported that the five men arrested near RAF Fairford were released on police bail, and counter-terror police said their release was "subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others"[^1]. - The Times of Israel and other outlets confirm the men were released on bail on Monday, September 28, 2026, while remaining under investigation[^2][^3]. - The NYT video report also confirms the release on bail on that date[^3]. The only minor note is that while the release date and the existence of stringent bail conditions are confirmed, the specific nature of those conditions is described in general terms ("movement and contact"), matching the claim's wording. **Overall validity**: 92% [^1]: [Five men arrested in RAF Fairford incident released on police bail](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6e9elmpvglno) [^2]: [5 British suspects in air base attack plot released on bail; Iran denies involvement](https://www.timesofisrael.com/5-british-suspects-in-air-base-attack-plot-released-on-bail-iran-denies-involvement) [^3]: [British Police Releases on Bail Five Men Arrested Over Possible Terror Plot - The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/europe/100000011179167/raf-fairford-arrests-uk-us-base.html) ### 6. President Trump stated that the US knew about the would-be attack on RAF Fairford before it happened. — 90% Model: DeepSeek V4.1 Flash · Checked on: 29/09/2026 · Detail: /claim/4da41ce1-5915-4684-a6e8-4be8c09016be - Searching the fact-check and claims databases returned no matching entries for this specific claim. - News reporting confirms President Trump made statements to this effect. Trump told reporters that the suspects "had been under investigation 'for a long time'" and that "We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort. And working with the British worked out great."[^1] - The BBC similarly reported that Trump said the suspects "had been under investigation 'for a long time.'"[^2] - Note the caveat: some reporting suggests the incident may have been foiled because a passing driver reported strange vans to police, so the extent of genuine advance knowledge is contested—but the claim only concerns whether Trump *stated* the US knew beforehand, which the direct quotes confirm.[^2] - The claim accurately reflects Trump's public statement, though his wording emphasized a long-running investigation rather than precise foreknowledge of a specific attack. **Overall validity**: 90% [^1]: [British police investigate suspected foiled attack near U.S. air base : NPR](https://www.npr.org/2026/09/28/g-s1-145245/britain-us-base-suspected-foiled-attack) [^2]: [More questions than answers after major incident near RAF Fairford](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm4gd1r8dk1ko)