MI5 Chief Says RAF Fairford Plot Was Not Unique

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said the suspected plot at RAF Fairford was “not unique,” describing what he called a shift in Iranian ambitions toward harder targets, including military sites. His remarks came as counterterrorism investigators continued to examine the incident, whose direction has not been established publicly in the supplied reporting. McCallum made the comments Tuesday during his annual speech and in questions afterward. He said Iranian activity in Britain had extended beyond traditional targets, including people opposed to Iran’s leadership, and cited arson and sabotage attacks on Jewish sites that British authorities have attributed to Iranian proxies. He also said there had been other examples of activity involving harder targets outside Britain. The RAF Fairford investigation began after a security alert near the base on September 27. Residents in the area were evacuated as police and military bomb-disposal specialists responded. Police said petrol was found in three vans near the base and that no explosives were found. Seven men were arrested in connection with the investigation and released on bail while inquiries continued.