Two British nationals have been charged with national security offenses following an investigation into an incident at RAF Fairford, a US-run military air base in England. Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, and Nouman Essghir, 24, both of London, were charged under the National Security Act 2023 on Tuesday, prosecutors confirmed.
The charges allege Abdulkarim assisted a foreign intelligence service, while Essghir entered a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK. Both men are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Initial incident and arrests
The investigation began after police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford in the early hours of September 27. Authorities evacuated scores of residents from nearby homes as armed police and bomb-disposal experts conducted searches. Police later found gasoline in three vans at the scene but no explosives.
Seven individuals were initially arrested in connection with the incident. Five remain on police bail, while two—including a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national—were re-arrested in October before being released without charge. Abdulkarim was arrested last week, and Essghir was first detained at the scene on September 27 before being re-arrested on October 20.
Official responses and investigations
British authorities have linked the incident to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham stating the plot was “almost certainly” directed by the group. US President Donald Trump also claimed the arrested men had been under investigation “for a long time.” Iran has denied involvement, though it has previously stated that bases used to attack its territory are legitimate targets.
The US Air Force removed its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford following the incident, which had been used as a staging point for strikes on Iran during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. UK security officials, including MI5 Director General Ken McCallum, have warned that both Iran and Russia are expanding their attacks against the UK, describing the RAF Fairford incident as part of a broader trend.
Legal and security implications
The charges under the National Security Act mark the first use of the legislation since its enactment in 2023. Prosecutors allege Abdulkarim’s actions were intended to assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities between August 31 and September 28. Essghir faces charges for conduct deemed prejudicial to UK safety or interests.
Counterterrorism police continue to investigate the incident, with authorities emphasizing the evolving nature of threats posed by state-aligned actors. The case underscores concerns over foreign intelligence operations targeting critical infrastructure in the UK.