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U.S. Justice Department Says Iran-Backed Militant Plotted Attack on RAF Fairford From Detention
By Maya Wilson
A member of an Iran-backed militia plotted to attack RAF Fairford, a British air base, while being held in detention in the United States on criminal charges, the U.S. Justice Department said on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
The man was identified as Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi. Reuters reported that he plotted the attack while detained in the U.S., and that the Justice Department said the plot was against RAF Fairford.
The Guardian has separately reported on the charges. The Reuters account identifies Al-Saadi and attributes the plotting allegation to the Justice Department.
Separately, Associated Press reporting carried by Al Jazeera described an indictment of three men accused of plotting attacks in the United States and Europe, including at RAF Fairford. That AP account is distinct from the Reuters account: the Reuters report focuses on Al-Saadi and the allegation that he plotted from U.S. detention, while the AP report frames the case as an indictment of three men.
The source material available to this desk does not specify the charges filed against Al-Saadi, identify the court, state any plea, or include a response from Al-Saadi or from Iran. Reporting does not include those details.
The allegations reported by Reuters remain allegations attributed to the U.S. Justice Department. Further details were not included in the reporting provided.
Update: The Justice Department on Tuesday announced charges against three men it described as Iranian operatives over the alleged September plot at RAF Fairford, France 24 and Al-Monitor reported. Prosecutors said one suspect directed individuals to drive vans, some carrying fuel barrels, to the base. U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald said one suspect, arrested in the spring, continued coordinating with his co-defendants in the days leading up to the attempted September plot.
— Maya Wilson, World Desk
Maya Wilson leads The Library Media’s World Desk and serves as the house’s intelligence lead.
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