British nationals accused of RAF terror plot aren't the only fanatics in the UK | Will Geddes
The Sun
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Video Summary
Iranian sleeper cells are actively developing plots within the United Kingdom, with recent foiled attempts targeting critical infrastructure like RAF Fairford. Security services have thwarted approximately 30 such operations in recent years, often aimed at abducting, extorting, kidnapping, or assassinating individuals deemed enemies of the Iranian regime. These activities, sometimes carried out by proxies motivated by financial gain rather than ideology, highlight Iran's persistent threat as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The latest incident involved five individuals intercepted in transit vans heading towards RAF Fairford, a site previously identified by Iran's IRGC as a viable target. This event underscores a broader pattern of Iran's hostile state actions, including the use of third parties for attacks and the embedding of contraband within illegal immigrant flows. The ongoing threat is further evidenced by increased security measures at other UK air bases and government facilities, suggesting that other individuals connected to this cell may still be at large and planning similar actions.
Short Highlights
- Iran is actively developing and deploying sleeper cells within the United Kingdom.
- Approximately 30 plots targeting key individuals and infrastructure have been foiled in recent years.
- Targets include abductions, extortion, kidnappings, and assassinations of perceived enemies of the regime.
- RAF Fairford was a recent target, with individuals intercepted in transit vans heading towards the base.
- Iran frequently uses proxies and third parties, often motivated by financial gain, to conduct attacks.
- The threat remains active, with other individuals at large and other UK facilities on high alert.
Key Details
Iranian Sleeper Cells in the UK [0:00]
- Iran has created and is developing sleeper cells within the United Kingdom.
- Around 30 plots have been foiled by security services in recent years.
- These plots often involve abduction, extortion, kidnapping, or assassination of perceived enemies.
"Iran has created and is developing sleeper cells in the United Kingdom."
Targeting RAF Fairford [0:49]
- Five individuals were intercepted in three white transit vans heading towards RAF Fairford.
- UK Special Forces, working with US intelligence, conducted the operation.
- RAF Fairford was listed as a viable target by Iran's IRGC and was a staging point for US bombers.
"And ultimately, they were intercepted by what is believed now to have been UK Special Forces, who had been running an intelligence operation alongside our US cousins, directed at RAF Fairford because RAF Fairford had both been listed as a viable target by the IRGC in Iran..."
Proxies and Financial Motivation [3:01]
- Iran is a major sponsor of international terrorism, using proxies like Al-Qaeda, Islamic State, Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
- Third parties are used to carry out Iran's bidding, often motivated by financial reward rather than ideology.
- These individuals are recruited from low-level criminality for basic fees, sometimes as low as €1,000.
"What differentiates these third parties to traditional terrorist groups is that they are not ideologically motivated, so they are not following a particular agenda, political or religious for that matter, but are simply motivated and motivated by financial reward."
Ongoing Threat and Increased Security [7:27]
- The IRGC's Quds Force is involved in trafficking illegal immigrants and embedding contraband, including weapons and explosives.
- Retribution for perceived military action or sanctions is a key motivation for Iran's attacks.
- Other air bases and UK government facilities are operating at the highest threat level.
"And in addition to that, the authorities were trying to determine any other parties that they're connected to."
