Five arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of terrorism offences

Fairford, United Kingdom. British police arrested five men on Sunday on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near RAF Fairford, an air base used by the US to strike Iran. The arrests followed a report of three suspicious vans heading towards the base.

Investigation and arrests

Counterterrorism detectives said police received a call in the early hours of Sunday about three vehicles that appeared to be travelling towards RAF Fairford in the west of England. Armed officers arrested five men, who were later held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

Police said they believed the incident was contained but have not publicly stated whom they assessed to be involved. A source familiar with the investigation said an Iranian-linked motive was considered most likely, while investigators were also examining the possibilities of a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot.

“We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody,” Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans said. She said police were working with partners to establish the circumstances.

Security measures and responses

Police established a 400-metre cordon around the base while a bomb disposal unit examined the vans. Residents of 85 homes in a nearby village were evacuated, and armed officers patrolled the site.

US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been looking to do “big damage” and had been under investigation by British and US authorities.

The British government, which authorised the US to use bombers based at Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being updated. Burnham thanked police and the armed forces, writing on X: “I know today’s incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country”.