Five Men Arrested in Counter-Terror Probe Near RAF Fairford After Suspicious Vans Intercepted

British counter-terrorism police are leading a major investigation after five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near RAF Fairford, the Gloucestershire airbase used by the United States Air Force.

Gloucestershire Police said officers received a call at about 00:45 BST on Sunday about three suspicious vans apparently travelling towards the base. Armed officers responded and detained the five men in the nearby village of Whelford, declaring a major incident.

The men were first arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and were later further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, according to police. They remain in custody, and police have not disclosed a possible motive.

Around 85 homes in Whelford were evacuated as a precaution while the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit examined the vehicles inside a 400-metre cordon. Residents were moved to a nearby leisure centre, and authorities believe the incident is contained.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as deeply concerning and said he is being kept updated, according to UK Aviation News. US President Donald Trump said those arrested had been “under view for a long time” and called the operation “fantastic”, The Times reported.

The Times also reported that detectives are examining whether Iran is linked to the suspected plot, noting that Tehran has previously warned Britain against allowing US bombers to operate from Fairford. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting declined to comment on a possible Iranian link, saying it was “far too early to speculate”.

RAF Fairford is a key European base for US Air Force heavy bombers and has been used to support American operations against Iranian targets.

Sources

• The Times — RAF Fairford: police investigate possible Iran link to foiled bomb plot
• LadBible — Five men arrested as counter-terror police lead investigation into major incident near RAF Fairford
• UK Aviation News — Counter-terrorism police lead investigation as major incident declared near RAF Fairford