LONDON, UK — Five men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences near a British airbase used by the United States for military operations against Iran, with US President Donald Trump saying the suspects were allegedly planning to cause “big damage”.
British counterterrorism police arrested the men on Sunday after receiving reports of three suspicious vans travelling towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The arrests triggered a major security operation around the base, including a 400-metre cordon, bomb disposal searches and the evacuation of residents from 85 nearby homes.
Five Men Arrested Near RAF Fairford
Counter Terrorism Policing said officers received a report in the early hours of Sunday about three vehicles apparently travelling towards the military airfield.
Armed officers subsequently arrested five men, who remain in custody on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act.
Police said they believed the incident was contained but have not publicly identified the suspects or confirmed a motive.
“We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody,” Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans said.
Police said investigators were working with partner agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Trump Says Suspects Planned ‘Big Damage’
Trump said US and British authorities had been monitoring the suspects before their arrest.
“They were looking to do big damage to our fort and working with the British worked out great,” Trump told reporters.
He said the suspects had been “under view for a long time” and praised the British authorities for the arrests.
Trump did not provide details about the alleged plot, and British investigators have not publicly confirmed his description of the suspects’ intentions.
Iranian Link Among Motives Being Examined
A source familiar with the investigation told Reuters that an Iranian-linked motive was considered the most likely line of inquiry.
However, investigators were also examining other possibilities, including a potential Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist extremist plot.
No motive has been officially established by British police.
The arrests come against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Britain, the United States and Iran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had previously warned that British bases used to support US military operations could be considered legitimate targets.
Residents Evacuated as Bomb Unit Searches Vans
Police established a 400-metre security cordon around RAF Fairford while bomb disposal specialists examined the vehicles.
Residents of about 85 homes in a nearby village were evacuated as a precaution.
Armed officers were deployed around the area, while security was also increased at other US-linked British military installations.
Reuters witnesses reported seeing armoured vehicles and soldiers at the entrances to RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in eastern England.
The US Air Force declined to discuss specific security measures but said its personnel remained vigilant.
“The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” a spokesperson said.
RAF Fairford Used for US Military Operations
RAF Fairford has become strategically important to US military operations because of its role as a base for American long-range bombers.
The British government has authorised the United States to use bombers based at Fairford in operations targeting Iranian missile sites that had been attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report.
The arrangement has increased the strategic significance of the Gloucestershire base and heightened concerns about potential threats against US military facilities in Britain.
Security Concerns Rise Across UK
The incident comes as British authorities remain concerned about potential sabotage and other hostile activity targeting critical infrastructure.
British ministers have previously warned infrastructure operators about threats linked to Russia, including possible sabotage operations and cyberattacks.
Local councillor Tristan Wilkinson said security around Fairford had already been increased following a previous threat that he said was linked to Iran.
The five suspects remain in custody as counterterrorism detectives investigate the incident, with police yet to announce whether charges will be brought.
