Counter-terrorism police lead investigation as bomb disposal teams examine vans and dozens of homes are evacuated near RAF Fairford.
British police have arrested five men on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after three suspicious vehicles were reported travelling towards a Royal Air Force(RAF) base in western England that is used by United States forces.
The arrests took place in the early hours of Sunday in the village of Whelford, near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, following a tip-off from a local resident at around 12:45am. Armed officers detained the men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. They were later further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act.
Counter-terrorism police have taken the lead in the investigation. The five men remain in custody and have not been identified. Under UK terrorism legislation, suspects can be held for up to 14 days without charge.
RAF Fairford Incident Prompts Mass Evacuation:
A major incident was declared and approximately 85 households in Whelford were evacuated as a precaution. Residents were taken to a local leisure centre while army bomb disposal teams examined three white vans. Aerial footage showed a remote-controlled robot inspecting the vehicles, two of which had open rear doors with large black containers visible nearby. A 400-metre cordon was established around the scene.
Police said they believe the incident is now contained. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone of Gloucestershire Police confirmed that officers responded promptly to the report of the vehicles heading towards the air base.
RAF Fairford hosts US Air Force units and has been used by American long-range bombers in operations related to the conflict involving Iran. US President Donald Trump described the arrests as “fantastic,” saying the suspects had been under investigation by British and US authorities “for a long time” and were looking to do “big damage.”
“We had them under view for a long time, and we got them,” Trump told reporters. “Working with the British worked out great.”
Security Concerns Rise Around RAF Fairford Base:
Sources familiar with the investigation have indicated that an Iranian-linked motive is considered a possible line of inquiry, though Russian sabotage or an Islamist plot are also being examined. Police have stressed that the inquiry is in its early stages and that no motive has been publicly confirmed.
The US Air Force said its personnel at the base “remain vigilant” but declined to discuss specific security measures for operational reasons. Extra security has been visible around the base, with reports of reinforced entrances and heightened alert levels at related facilities.
Local residents described seeing men in masks or balaclavas scattering through trees after the vans were spotted. One farmer told media she alerted police after observing the vehicles and individuals acting suspiciously while driving home.
Authorities continue to examine the vehicles and gather evidence as the five men remain detained. The incident has heightened security concerns around military sites involved in ongoing international operations.