British police have arrested five men on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences near RAF Fairford, an air base historically used by the United States for military operations against Iran. The arrests occurred on Sunday following reports of suspicious vehicles approaching the military airfield in western England, according to Reuters.
Counterterrorism police received a report in the early hours of Sunday regarding three vehicles that appeared to be heading towards the base. Armed officers apprehended the five suspects, who are currently being held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Authorities have stated that the situation is believed to be contained, although investigations are still in the preliminary stages.
Sources familiar with the investigation suggest that an Iranian-linked motive is the most likely scenario, while authorities are also exploring the potential for Russian sabotage or an Islamist plot. Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, noted that the investigation is in its early stages and that the suspects remain in custody.
In response to the incident, police established a 400-metre cordon around the airbase, and bomb disposal specialists were deployed to examine the vehicles. Residents from 85 homes in a nearby village were evacuated as a precaution, and armed officers patrolled the area to ensure safety.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been kept informed of the developments and expressed gratitude to the police and armed forces, acknowledging that the incident would be concerning for local residents. The UK government has previously permitted the US to use RAF Fairford for strikes against Iranian missile sites that threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In July, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that any base used for such attacks could become a legitimate target.
US President Donald Trump commented positively on the arrests, stating that the suspects had been under investigation for some time and were believed to be planning significant damage. He expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between US and British authorities.
Witnesses reported that access to RAF Fairford was restricted by armed police on Sunday morning, with heightened security also observed at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in eastern England. Local media indicated that a farmer alerted police after observing suspicious activity involving the vehicles and individuals near the base.
Local councillor Tristan Wilkinson mentioned that there had been a previous security alert at RAF Fairford, leading to increased surveillance in the area. A spokesperson for the US Air Force declined to comment on specific security measures but affirmed that US personnel and facilities in Britain remain vigilant against potential threats.
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