Two British nationals have been charged with national security offences following a counterterrorism investigation into an incident at RAF Fairford, a U.S.-run military base in England, prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday.
Two men charged under National Security Act
Mohmed Abdulkarim, 24, and Nouman Essghir, 24, both from London, were charged under the National Security Act 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced. Abdulkarim faces a charge of assisting a foreign intelligence service, while Essghir is charged with entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.
Both men are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. The charges follow a multi-week investigation into an incident at RAF Fairford, a base used by U.S. bombers for strikes on Iran earlier this year.
Investigation details and arrests
The investigation began after police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the base in Gloucestershire on September 27. Armed police and bomb-disposal experts conducted a major operation, evacuating nearby residents. Authorities later reported finding gasoline in three vans at the scene, but no explosives.
Seven people were initially arrested in connection with the incident. Five remain on police bail, while two—including Abdulkarim—were re-arrested in October. A 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national was also re-arrested but released without charge.
Government and intelligence responses
British authorities have linked the incident to Iran, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham stating the plot was "almost certainly" directed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). U.S. 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 any base used to attack its territory is a legitimate target. Earlier this month, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum warned that Iran and Russia are expanding attacks against the UK, noting the RAF Fairford incident was not an isolated case.
Base’s role and broader context
RAF Fairford has served as a staging point for U.S. long-range bombers, including during strikes on Iran. The base’s use in military operations has drawn scrutiny, with some residents reporting suspicious activity in the weeks leading up to the incident.
Counterterrorism police continue to investigate the plot, with authorities emphasizing the ongoing nature of the inquiry.