Five men arrested near RAF Fairford on terrorism and explosives suspicion
British police detained five men near a US air base in Gloucestershire under terrorism and explosives laws. Around 85 households were evacuated as a precaution.
Five arrests near US air base in Gloucestershire after major incident declared
Gloucestershire Police arrested five men in the early hours of Sunday on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, close to RAF Fairford — the air base in southwest England that has been hosting US forces since February. According to abcnews.com, Counter Terrorism Policing later confirmed the men were also held "on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act."
Police said they received a call at 12:45 a.m. about three suspicious vehicles travelling toward the base. Officers stopped and arrested the five men, who remained in custody as of Sunday. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said local police were working closely with counter-terror colleagues on the ongoing investigation.
"The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles," Gloucestershire Police said in a statement. A 400-metre cordon was established around the suspect vehicles while armed forces explosives experts carried out their work.
The village of Whelford, near which the arrests took place, lies approximately two miles from RAF Fairford. The base hosts the US Air Force and has served as a key hub for American operations against Iran, including flights by heavy bombers such as the B-1 Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress.
Around 85 households were evacuated to a nearby recreation centre as a precaution. "We believe this incident is contained," police said. "We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place."
Trump: suspects 'under investigation for a long time'
President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday that the detained men had been under surveillance for "a long time" and were "looking to do big damage" to the US Air Force base. He made the remarks on an airport tarmac in Illinois while travelling to the Presidents Cup golf tournament in Chicago.
"The arrest in the U.K. was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job," Trump said. "We had them under view for a long time, and we got them."
Trump did not address any potential motive behind the alleged plot. The White House did not respond to further questions about the investigation. Authorities have not confirmed or established any connection to Iran, despite the base's role in US operations in that conflict.
Government and military responses
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged the public not to speculate while authorities established the full facts. "I know today's incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country," Burnham said in a social media post. He added that the safety and security of the public was the government's first priority.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting posted on X that the public "can be reassured that this is being dealt with," pointing to emergency response teams and Armed Forces standing by around the clock. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also posted on X, thanking emergency services for their "swift response" and their reassurance that the incident was contained.
A spokesperson for the US Air Force 501st Combat Support Wing, based at RAF Fairford, told abcnews.com the unit "appreciates the swift response and continued support of our local law enforcement partners," adding that the safety and security of airmen, families and surrounding communities remained its "highest priority."
The US Embassy in the United Kingdom issued a statement on Sunday urging American citizens to "exercise caution and be mindful of personal security" in the country. "We remind U.S. citizens that U.K. authorities rate the threat of terrorism in the U.K. as severe. U.S.-associated facilities, gatherings, and organizations may be at heightened risk," the statement read.
Lakenheath on alert
Amid reports that US air bases across the UK had raised their threat levels, the 48th Fighter Wing — an American unit stationed at RAF Lakenheath in eastern England — said it was "unable to discuss specific force protection measures" for operational security reasons.
"We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures are implemented or modified," the unit said in a statement. It added that the Tri-Base area — comprising RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell — "remains vigilant and will take appropriate action to ensure the safety and security of U.S. service members, U.S. and U.K. civilians, contractors, and their families."
The five arrested men remain in custody. The investigation is continuing.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)