The U.S. Justice Department announced Tuesday that three men accused of operating on behalf of Iranian-backed terrorist organizations have been charged in connection with an alleged plot targeting RAF Fairford, a British military installation housing American bombers and personnel.

The charges, outlined in a superseding indictment unsealed in federal court in Manhattan on November 10, identify the defendants as Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, Mohsen Mohajeri and Mohammed Ali al-Hassani. Federal prosecutors allege the three coordinated terrorist operations on behalf of a network associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah.

According to the indictment, al-Hassani directed associates in Britain to conduct surveillance of RAF Fairford beginning in August, including recording video of the installation’s perimeter. Prosecutors allege the network subsequently obtained three vans and barrels of fuel, researched chemical accelerants and purchased metal objects that could potentially be used as explosive shrapnel. The vehicles were disguised with commercial decals resembling those of fuel delivery and swimming pool supply businesses.

On September 26, al-Hassani allegedly instructed associates to drive the vans toward RAF Fairford while coordinating their movements remotely. At least two vehicles encountered a security roadblock and were prevented from continuing toward the installation. British counterterrorism authorities recovered three vans and arrested five men during the early hours of September 27.

Investigators also allege that al-Saadi, who was already detained in the United States on separate terrorism charges, continued directing elements of the operation from federal custody. Prosecutors say he communicated with relatives in Iraq using coded language to relay instructions and arrange financial support for his co-defendants. During a September 24 telephone conversation, al-Saadi allegedly instructed relatives to provide money to al-Hassani, just days before the incident at Fairford.

The indictment further accuses the three defendants of involvement in approximately 18 terrorist attacks and attempted attacks across Europe earlier this year, including operations targeting synagogues, Jewish organizations and American interests. Prosecutors also allege the network attempted to organize an attack against a synagogue in Manhattan. Al-Saadi, described by U.S. authorities as a Kataib Hezbollah commander, remains in federal custody and previously pleaded not guilty to related terrorism charges.

The announcement provides further details about the September security incident that prompted heightened concern over the safety of American military assets stationed in Britain. RAF Fairford, located in Gloucestershire, has served as a major forward operating location for U.S. strategic bombers, including B-1B aircraft deployed during military operations involving Iran.

Following the September incident, American B-1B bombers stationed at Fairford were withdrawn and returned to the United States, a development previously reported by Keryex. The withdrawal raised questions about the security of American military installations in Britain amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran.

British authorities separately charged two men, Mohmed Ahmad Abdulkarim and Nouman Essghir, under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act in connection with the investigation. British counterterrorism officials have said they consider Iranian state involvement highly likely, although the precise extent of Tehran’s involvement remains under investigation. Iran has denied involvement in the incident.

The U.S. defendants face federal terrorism-related charges, including allegations of providing material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations. The accusations have not been proven in court.