Iran-backed Operatives Charged with Planned Attack on British RAF Base

Plot Against RAF Base Uncovered

The Justice Department has unveiled charges against three operatives linked to Iran, accusing them of plotting a terrorist attack at a British Royal Air Force base that houses U.S. troops. This announcement follows an indictment of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi on federal charges related to supporting Iran-backed terror groups, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Kata’ib Hizballah.

Details of the Scheme

The indictment, made public this Tuesday, alleges Al-Saadi’s involvement in planning an attack on the RAF base in September. Currently in custody in New York, Al-Saadi is accused of collaborating with Mohsen Mohajeri from Iran and Mohammad Ali al-Hassani from Iraq. They allegedly communicated through coded messages via intermediaries.

Prosecutors assert that Al-Saadi orchestrated preparations for the attack starting in August. He allegedly directed associates in the UK to conduct surveillance on RAF Fairford, and facilitated the acquisition of materials such as vans, fuel, and shrapnel components to execute the plan.

Subterfuge and Execution Challenges

The plan involved marking vans with decals to disguise them as legitimate service vehicles. Al-Saadi also allegedly communicated through family members to pass instructions. In particular, a conversation with his sister revealed continued efforts toward the planned attack, despite setbacks.

According to the indictment, al-Hassani gave orders for the vans to be driven to RAF Fairford on September 26. However, security forces intercepted two of the vans at checkpoints.

Sting Operations and Prior Accusations

Authorities in the UK arrested drivers connected to the plot and seized the vehicles. Prior accusations against Al-Saadi include plans for attacks in the U.S. and involvement in multiple reported terror incidents in Europe and Canada, targeting U.S. and Israeli interests.

Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that plotting against military bases with U.S. personnel will lead to prosecution by the U.S. government.