Five men arrested on terrorism charges near RAF Fairford, a UK base used by U.S. forces, and released on bail
Five British nationals in their 20s were arrested on September 27, 2026, near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after a resident reported suspicious vehicles and masked men. Police later confirmed no explosives were found in the vans, only a quantity of petrol. The men were released on bail amid an ongoing counterterrorism investigation into possible links to Iran or other foreign state actors.
47
Divergence score
This event sits in the top 2% of divergence this week. 27 outlets covered it, splitting into 25 framing camps across 4 bias groups.
25 camps
4 bias groups
The spectrum · how 27 outlets placed this story
LeftCenterRight
Globe and Mail
CNN
Breitbart
Washington Examiner
AP News
Al Jazeera
Deutsche Welle
Daily Wire
Times of Israel
NPR
ABC News
Fox News
Washington Times
Jerusalem Post
Washington Post
The Hill
Axios
Reuters
South China Morning Post
Wall Street Journal
Financial Times
PBS NewsHour
Bloomberg
Newsmax
CBS News
NY Post
Le Monde
Supportive of action
Neutral
Dismissive
Critical
Alarmist
International angle
Widest split · the two outlets furthest apart, and who published first
Furthest apart on this story
CNN
Questions swirl as British police say suspects in alleged airbase terror plot to be released on bail
questions swirl over bail and Iran link · neutral
Breitbart
Suspects in Alleged Terror Plot on Air Force Base Released on Bail, All Said to Be 'British Nationals'
migration and security failure angle · negative
First to report
- Reutersfirst
- CNN+48 min
- ABC News+8.2 h
- Bloomberg+8.3 h
- Al Jazeera+8.8 h
- Times of Israel+9.3 h
- Newsmax+9.4 h
- AP News+10.3 h
- Jerusalem Post+10.4 h
- NPR+10.6 h
- Breitbart+10.8 h
- Daily Wire+10.9 h
By each outlet's earliest publish time in this story. Feeds that index slowly can appear later than they printed.
Headlines that changed · the same article, re-listed with a new headline
Al Jazeera · 2026-09-27 10:10 UTC
UK police evacuate homes near airbase used by US
Jerusalem Post · 2026-09-27 13:03 UTC
Gloucestershire police warn of possible explosive threat as US Fairford air base increases security
ABC News · 2026-09-27 13:38 UTC
UK police arrest several under explosives act in 'major incident' near US air base
Bloomberg · 2026-09-27 13:38 UTC
UK Police Evacuate Area Near US Air Base at RAF Fairford, Make Arrests
AP News · 2026-09-27 13:38 UTC
UK police evacuate homes near air base used by US and detain men on suspected explosives offensives - AP News
+ Show 131 more Show fewer
Times of Israel · 2026-09-27 14:13 UTC
Several arrested as UK declares major incident at base used by US air force
AP News · 2026-09-27 14:13 UTC
UK police evacuate homes near air base used by US and detain men on suspected explosives offensives - apnews.com
Washington Times · 2026-09-27 14:48 UTC
UK police evacuate homes near military base used by U.S., make arrests in suspected explosives plot
Financial Times · 2026-09-27 14:48 UTC
Explosives arrests made in ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford - Financial Times
NPR · 2026-09-27 15:23 UTC
Multiple arrests on suspicion of explosives offenses near U.K. base used by U.S. forces
Washington Examiner · 2026-09-27 15:23 UTC
Men arrested on explosives charges near UK air base used by US in Iran war
Axios · 2026-09-27 15:57 UTC
5 arrested over alleged terrorism offenses near U.K. base used by U.S. Air Force
Newsmax · 2026-09-27 15:57 UTC
UK Police Evacuate Homes near Air Base Used by US and Detain Men on Suspected Explosives Offensives - Newsmax
Financial Times · 2026-09-27 15:57 UTC
Terrorism arrests made in ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford - Financial Times
AP News · 2026-09-27 15:57 UTC
UK police arrest 5 men near an air base used by US on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
Al Jazeera · 2026-09-27 16:33 UTC
UK police evacuate homes near RAF Fairford airbase used by US
Axios · 2026-09-27 16:33 UTC
Trump: 5 terrorism suspects in U.K. were under investigation
Financial Times · 2026-09-27 16:33 UTC
Terrorism arrests made in ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford - ft.com
AP News · 2026-09-27 16:33 UTC
5 men arrested near air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
Daily Wire · 2026-09-27 17:08 UTC
Police Thwart Likely Terror Plot Against US Military Planes
Financial Times · 2026-09-27 17:08 UTC
Terrorism arrests made in ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford - Financial Times
South China Morning Post · 2026-09-27 17:08 UTC
UK arrests 5 after incident near airbase used by US bombers
AP News · 2026-09-27 17:09 UTC
5 men arrested near air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-27 17:45 UTC
5 men arrested near air base used by U.S. in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - PBS
Financial Times · 2026-09-27 17:45 UTC
Terrorism arrests made in ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford - ft.com
AP News · 2026-09-27 18:18 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-27 18:53 UTC
5 men arrested near air base used by U.S. in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - pbs.org
AP News · 2026-09-27 18:53 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
Washington Examiner · 2026-09-27 19:42 UTC
Five arrested on explosives charges near UK air base used by US in Iran war
AP News · 2026-09-27 19:42 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
Financial Times · 2026-09-27 20:32 UTC
Terrorism arrests made in ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford - Financial Times
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-27 22:03 UTC
5 men arrested near air base used by U.S. in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - PBS
Newsmax · 2026-09-27 22:03 UTC
5 Men Arrested Near Air Base Used by US in Iran war on Suspicion of Preparing a Terrorist Act - Newsmax
Financial Times · 2026-09-27 22:03 UTC
Terrorism arrests made in ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford - ft.com
South China Morning Post · 2026-09-27 22:03 UTC
UK police arrest 5 on terrorism charges near airbase used by US in Iran war
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-27 22:38 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by U.S. in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - PBS
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-27 23:58 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by U.S. in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - pbs.org
Newsmax · 2026-09-28 01:54 UTC
5 Men Arrested on Suspicion of Terrorist Plot Near US-Used Air Base in UK - Newsmax
South China Morning Post · 2026-09-28 01:54 UTC
UK police arrest 5 on suspicion of terrorism near airbase used by US in Iran war
Newsmax · 2026-09-28 02:30 UTC
5 Men Arrested on Suspicion of Terrorist Plot Near US-Used Air Base in UK - newsmax.com
Financial Times · 2026-09-28 02:30 UTC
Terrorism arrests made in ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford - Financial Times
Financial Times · 2026-09-28 03:06 UTC
Terrorism arrests made in ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford - ft.com
Bloomberg · 2026-09-28 04:54 UTC
5 Men Arrested Near UK’s RAF Fairford Base Used for Iran Strikes
Reuters · 2026-09-28 04:54 UTC
UK police arrest 5 by air base under terrorism act - Reuters
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-28 06:36 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by U.S. in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - PBS
AP News · 2026-09-28 06:36 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-28 07:07 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-28 07:41 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by U.S. in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - pbs.org
Newsmax · 2026-09-28 07:41 UTC
5 Men Arrested on Suspicion of Terrorist Plot Near US-Used Air Base in UK - Newsmax
Newsmax · 2026-09-28 08:50 UTC
5 Men Arrested on Suspicion of Terrorist Plot Near US-Used Air Base in UK - newsmax.com
Al Jazeera · 2026-09-28 10:01 UTC
‘Terror’ incident near RAF base used for Iran war: What we know
Reuters · 2026-09-28 10:36 UTC
UK police question five men held at airbase used by US to attack Iran - Reuters
NPR · 2026-09-28 12:23 UTC
British police investigate if arrests near U.S. air base foiled an Iran-linked attack
NPR · 2026-09-28 13:34 UTC
5 men arrested over suspected attack at a U.S.-run air force base are British nationals
NPR · 2026-09-28 14:12 UTC
U.K. holds 5 British suspects after arrests near U.S. air base as Iran denies role
South China Morning Post · 2026-09-28 15:27 UTC
UK investigates if arrests near US-run base prevented Iran-linked attack
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-28 16:06 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by U.S. in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - PBS
Bloomberg · 2026-09-28 16:06 UTC
UK Police Release Airbase Terror Suspects on Bail
AP News · 2026-09-28 16:06 UTC
UK holds 5 British terror suspects after arrests near US air base as Iran denies involvement - AP News
South China Morning Post · 2026-09-28 16:44 UTC
5 UK nationals arrested near US-run airbase to be released on bail
ABC News · 2026-09-28 17:25 UTC
RAF Fairford terrorism plot suspects are all British nationals, police say
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-28 17:25 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by U.S. in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - pbs.org
Bloomberg · 2026-09-28 17:25 UTC
UK Releases Airbase Suspects Amid Probe Into Foreign State Link
Wall Street Journal · 2026-09-28 17:25 UTC
U.K. Probes Possible Iran Link to Suspected Terror Plot at Base Hosting U.S. Forces - WSJ
NPR · 2026-09-28 18:04 UTC
5 British suspects arrested, explosives found near U.S.-run air base. Iran denies role
Newsmax · 2026-09-28 18:04 UTC
British Police Probe Iran Link in US Air Base Arrests - Newsmax
Bloomberg · 2026-09-28 20:01 UTC
UK Releases Airbase Suspects Amid Probe Into Foreign Link
Wall Street Journal · 2026-09-28 20:32 UTC
U.K. Releases Suspects in Terror Plot at Base Hosting U.S. Forces - WSJ
Wall Street Journal · 2026-09-28 23:07 UTC
U.K. Releases Suspects in Terror Plot at Base Hosting U.S. Forces - wsj.com
AP News · 2026-09-28 23:07 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-28 23:43 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-29 00:20 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-29 00:20 UTC
5 men arrested near a US-run air base are bailed as UK police probe whether there's a link to Iran - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-29 00:55 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-29 00:55 UTC
5 men arrested near a US-run air base are bailed as UK police probe whether there's a link to Iran - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-29 03:16 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-29 03:16 UTC
5 men arrested near a US-run air base are bailed as UK police probe whether there's a link to Iran - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-29 04:28 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-29 04:28 UTC
5 men arrested near a US-run air base are bailed as UK police probe whether there's a link to Iran - apnews.com
Wall Street Journal · 2026-09-29 05:03 UTC
U.K. Releases Suspects in Terror Plot at Base Hosting U.S. Forces - WSJ
NPR · 2026-09-29 06:10 UTC
U.K. examines if Iran or Russia are involved in foiled attack near base used by U.S.
Wall Street Journal · 2026-09-29 06:44 UTC
U.K. Releases Suspects in Terror Plot at Base Hosting U.S. Forces - wsj.com
Bloomberg · 2026-09-29 07:52 UTC
Trump Criticizes UK Move to Release Airbase Suspects Amid Probe
AP News · 2026-09-29 08:25 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-29 08:25 UTC
5 men arrested near a US-run air base are bailed as UK police probe whether there's a link to Iran - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-29 09:32 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-29 09:32 UTC
5 men arrested near a US-run air base are bailed as UK police probe whether there's a link to Iran - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-29 11:16 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-29 11:16 UTC
5 men arrested near a US-run air base are bailed as UK police probe whether there's a link to Iran - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-29 12:25 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-29 13:00 UTC
5 men arrested near a US-run air base are bailed as UK police probe whether there's a link to Iran - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-29 13:35 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-29 13:35 UTC
5 men arrested near a US-run air base are bailed as UK police probe whether there's a link to Iran - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-29 14:11 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-29 16:03 UTC
5 men arrested near a US-run air base are bailed as UK police probe whether there's a link to Iran - apnews.com
Globe and Mail · 2026-09-29 17:55 UTC
U.K.’s decision to release suspects on bail after arrests near U.S.-run air base raises questions
Newsmax · 2026-09-29 19:47 UTC
Trump 'Surprised' UK Freed Airbase Plot Suspects - Newsmax
AP News · 2026-09-29 19:47 UTC
Questions surround counterterror probe into US-run air base after suspects were freed on bail - AP News
Newsmax · 2026-09-29 20:20 UTC
Trump 'Surprised' UK Freed Airbase Plot Suspects - newsmax.com
AP News · 2026-09-30 03:13 UTC
British police find no explosives but questions remain after arrests near a US-run military base - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-30 03:13 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-30 03:53 UTC
British police find no explosives but questions remain after arrests near a US-run military base - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-30 03:53 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-30 05:40 UTC
British police find no explosives but questions remain after arrests near a US-run military base - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-30 05:40 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-30 06:16 UTC
British police find no explosives but questions remain after arrests near a US-run military base - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-30 06:16 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-30 08:40 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - PBS
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-30 09:15 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - pbs.org
Newsmax · 2026-09-30 11:01 UTC
Trump 'Surprised' UK Freed Airbase Plot Suspects - Newsmax
AP News · 2026-09-30 12:14 UTC
British police find no explosives but questions remain after arrests near a US-run military base - AP News
AP News · 2026-09-30 12:14 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
Newsmax · 2026-09-30 13:28 UTC
Trump 'Surprised' UK Freed Airbase Plot Suspects - newsmax.com
AP News · 2026-09-30 14:43 UTC
British police find no explosives but questions remain after arrests near a US-run military base - apnews.com
AP News · 2026-09-30 14:43 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-30 15:23 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - PBS
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-30 16:01 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - pbs.org
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-30 16:39 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - PBS
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-30 17:18 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - pbs.org
NY Post · 2026-09-30 17:59 UTC
Iran is behind ‘terror plot’ at US bomber base in in UK, British leader says
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-30 19:27 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - PBS
Al Jazeera · 2026-09-30 20:05 UTC
Strong indications’ Iran linked to suspected UK airbase plot
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-30 20:05 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - pbs.org
Financial Times · 2026-09-30 20:48 UTC
‘Strong indications’ Iran was involved in RAF Fairford incident, says Andy Burnham - Financial Times
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-30 21:28 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - PBS
PBS NewsHour · 2026-09-30 22:08 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - pbs.org
Financial Times · 2026-09-30 22:08 UTC
‘Strong indications’ Iran was involved in RAF Fairford incident, says Andy Burnham - ft.com
PBS NewsHour · 2026-10-01 00:51 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - PBS
PBS NewsHour · 2026-10-01 02:11 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - pbs.org
AP News · 2026-10-01 02:11 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - AP News
AP News · 2026-10-01 03:32 UTC
5 men arrested near UK air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - apnews.com
PBS NewsHour · 2026-10-01 04:18 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - PBS
South China Morning Post · 2026-10-01 04:18 UTC
UK PM says ‘strong indications’ Iran involved in bomb scare at US-run airbase
PBS NewsHour · 2026-10-01 05:00 UTC
British police find no explosives in vans linked to 5 men detained near U.S.-run military base - pbs.org
Bloomberg · 2026-10-01 22:07 UTC
Police Arrest Dual British-Iranian National Over Airbase Plot
Bloomberg · 2026-10-02 14:32 UTC
Police Arrest Dual UK-Iranian National Over Airbase Plot
The split, in one line
The right asks why were terror suspects released on bail? The left asks why is Iran being blamed with no explosives found? The wires report strong indications of Iran's role while noting the absence of any bomb.
How each outlet covered it
Two readings of the same facts
The left and the right lead with different language. The loaded words each chose are highlighted.
47DIVERGENCE
THE RIGHT
“UK airbase terror suspects being released on bail as Iran denies connection”FOX Fox News RIGHT
DOWN THE MIDDLE
“UK: US government questions bail for Fairford base suspects” · Globe and Mail, AP News, Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post, The Hill, Axios, Reuters, South China Morning Post, PBS NewsHour, Bloomberg
+Hide the full sourcingSee how all 27 outlets put it
LEFT3
CNNCNN Questions swirl as British police say suspects in alleged airbase terror plot to be released on bail 43d ago NPRNPR 5 men arrested near a U.S.-run base bailed as UK police probe if there's an Iran link 44d ago WPWashington Post 5 arrested in U.K. near base used by U.S. on suspicion of planning terror act - The Washington Post 45d ago LEFT-CENTER2
ABCABC News UK air base latest: Suspects arrested on terror charges released on bail 44d ago CBSCBS News 5 British terror plot suspects freed on bail 43d ago CENTER6
APAP News British police find no explosives but questions remain after arrests near a US-run military base - AP News 43d ago HThe Hill Trump calls arrests of UK men on suspicion of terror offenses 'fantastic' 41d ago AAxios British Iranian arrested in U.K. terror plot probe 41d ago RReuters UK links Iran to suspected plot outside airbase used by US bombers 41d ago PBSPBS NewsHour 5 men arrested near UK air base used by U.S. in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act - PBS 43d ago BLBloomberg UK's Burnham Says Iran Likely Involved in Fairford Incident 41d ago RIGHT-CENTER2
WSJWall Street Journal U.K. Releases Suspects in Terror Plot at Base Hosting U.S. Forces - WSJ 44d ago FTFinancial Times 'Strong indications' Iran was involved in RAF Fairford incident, says Andy Burnham - Financial Times 42d ago RIGHT7
BBreitbart Suspects in Alleged Terror Plot on Air Force Base Released on Bail, All Said to Be 'British Nationals' 41d ago WEWashington Examiner Five arrested on suspicion of terrorism on base US uses in the UK: What to know 41d ago DWDaily Wire Wannabe Terrorists Who Targeted U.S. Bombers Free To Try Deadly Plot Again 41d ago FOXFox News UK airbase terror suspects being released on bail as Iran denies connection 44d ago WTWashington Times Trump disagrees with decision to grant bail to British terror suspects 41d ago NMNewsmax 5 Men Arrested on Suspicion of Terrorist Plot Near US-Used Air Base in UK - Newsmax 41d ago NYPNY Post UK-Iranian dual national arrested in connection to suspected terror plot at RAF Fairford airbase 41d ago INTERNATIONAL7
GMGlobe and Mail No explosives found after arrests near a U.S.-run military base, British police say 41d ago AJAl Jazeera Police probe 'terror' incident near RAF base used in Iran war: What we know 41d ago DWDeutsche Welle UK: US government questions bail for Fairford base suspects 43d ago TOITimes of Israel 5 British suspects in air base attack plot released on bail; Iran denies involvement 42d ago JPJerusalem Post Five suspects in RAF Fairford bomb plot released on bail, UK probing possible Iran ties 41d ago SCSouth China Morning Post Mystery over UK airbase scare as police find petrol, not explosives 41d ago LMLe Monde UK PM Burnham says Iran 'played a part' in airbase incident 42d ago 11 tracked claims across 27 outlets
Fact ledger
All11Claimed4Corroborated7
5/27
Claimed
Marco Rubio said the case clearly involves the hand of a foreign actor without naming a specific country
Corroborated
Disputed
10 more tracked claimsSign up free to see the full ledger