DOJ Indicts 3 Iranian-Backed Operatives in Terror Plot Involving RAF Fairford
U.S. Justice Department charges three Iranian-backed operatives with terror plots across Europe and the U.S., including an attack on RAF Fairford.
2 min read
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has unsealed an indictment against three individuals allegedly linked to Iran, charging them with terror-related offenses across Europe and the United States. The plot included an attempt to attack the Royal Air Force (RAF) Base in Fairford, United Kingdom, where American forces were stationed.
Alleged Terrorist Activities Linked to Iranian Groups
According to the DOJ, the three individuals are believed to have supported Kata’ib Hizballah, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization in Iraq, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which was designated as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) during President Donald Trump’s first term.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that the indictment highlights Iran’s efforts to carry out terrorist attacks in Europe and the U.S., including a plot that was recently thwarted at RAF Fairford. The DOJ stated that the alleged activities involved nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks, with a new terrorist group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), claiming responsibility for 18 attacks in Europe in spring 2026.
Real-Time Coordination and Attacks
The DOJ detailed that one of the individuals allegedly directed a terrorist attack in real time, watching a FaceTime video as the attack unfolded. The individual was instructed to take a lighter and ‘light one in your hand,’ and ‘throw the fourth one.’ Another individual recorded the attack in real time, while a third recorded the coordination process.
Additionally, one of the individuals, described as a longtime operative of the IRGC and Kata’ib Hizballah, allegedly attempted to bomb a synagogue in New York. The DOJ also noted that one of the individuals, al-Hassani, orchestrated the attempted attack at RAF Fairford, which housed U.S. military personnel and aircraft at the time.
International Network and Legal Proceedings
According to the DOJ, al-Hassani and Mohajeri were in Iran at the time and used a network of contacts in the UK. Al-Saadi, who was awaiting trial in the Southern District of New York, allegedly coordinated with the other two individuals through coded messages delivered to third parties.
The indictment underscores the international scope of the alleged plot and the sophisticated methods used by the individuals to plan and execute their attacks. The DOJ’s actions reflect a continued focus on combating terrorism and holding individuals accountable for their alleged actions.
Source: OANN