Five Arrested in UK Terror Probe Near US Base
British police have arrested five men near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and committing explosives offences, triggering a major security operation around the US-used military base.
Five Arrested Near RAF Fairford Air Base
Police were alerted shortly after midnight on Sunday to three suspicious vehicles reportedly travelling towards RAF Fairford, around 160 kilometres west of London.
Armed officers responded and arrested five men in the Whelford area, approximately two miles from the air base. All five remained in police custody as counter-terrorism officers continued their investigation.
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspects or disclosed their nationalities.
Counter-Terror Police Probe Suspected Explosives Plot
A 400-metre cordon was established around the three vehicles while explosive ordnance disposal specialists examined them.
Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution during the operation. Police said the investigation remained at an early stage and stressed that the arrests were made on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and offences under Britain’s Explosives Act.
No organisation has claimed responsibility for the suspected plot.
RAF Fairford Used by US Air Force
RAF Fairford is a strategically important military installation used by the United States Air Force and has supported long-range bomber operations during the Iran conflict.
US President Donald Trump said American and British authorities had cooperated in the investigation and claimed the suspects had been under surveillance before their arrests.
The incident has prompted heightened security around the base as investigators work to determine the suspects’ intentions and whether explosives or other dangerous materials were present in the vehicles.
