LONDON — British counterterrorism police have arrested five men on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and explosives offenses following a late-night security operation near RAF Fairford, a military air base in western England utilized by the United States.
The Metropolitan Police, which spearheads national counterterrorism investigations in the U.K., reported receiving an urgent call at approximately 12:45 a.m. regarding three suspicious vehicles heading toward the strategic facility. RAF Fairford, a British-owned base operated by the U.S. Air Force under a long-standing agreement, has recently served as a staging ground for American bombers conducting operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Authorities declared a "major incident" after intercepting the suspects in the Whelford area, which directly backs onto the air base. The operation prompted local law enforcement to establish a 400-meter cordon and evacuate several nearby residential properties as a precautionary measure while bomb disposal teams and army ordnance specialists examined the vehicles. Evacuated residents were temporarily housed at a local leisure center.
Vicki Evans, the Met’s counterterrorism policing senior national coordinator, stated that the investigation is still in its early stages. "We are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident, and five men remain in custody," Evans said. Under the U.K.’s Terrorism Act 2000, the suspects can be detained for up to 14 days without charge.
The arrests occur amid heightened security concerns across Britain regarding threats from hostile foreign states. British intelligence and security officials have repeatedly warned that nations like Iran and Russia increasingly rely on proxy networks to execute sabotage and criminal operations on British soil. Investigators are currently exploring a potential link to Iran as part of their inquiries, particularly given Tehran's previous assertions that foreign bases utilized to strike its territory constitute legitimate military targets.
Reacting to the developments, U.S. President Donald Trump commended the joint operation between American and British intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Speaking to reporters in Chicago, Trump remarked, "It was an amazing job. We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort. And working with the British worked out great."
U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged that the sudden emergency response and heavy security presence would deeply concern local residents. He extended his gratitude to the armed forces, emergency responders, and community members for their cooperation while safety checks are completed. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting also echoed appreciation for the swift containment of the threat, as defense officials raised threat levels at select military installations.
