Five men have been arrested in connection with RAF Fairford arrests after British police received a report about three suspicious vehicles heading toward the US-used military base in Gloucestershire.
Police said the incident began at about 12:45 a.m. on Sunday. Armed officers responded in the nearby Whelford area and arrested the five men. They were initially detained over suspected offences under the Explosives Act. They were later arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the inquiry remains in its early stages and that all five men remain in custody.
85 Homes Evacuated Near RAF Fairford
Authorities established a 400-metre cordon around the three vehicles while bomb disposal specialists examined them.
As a precaution, around 85 households in the area were evacuated. Residents were moved away from the scene while police and explosive ordnance teams assessed the vehicles.
Gloucestershire Police said the situation was believed to be contained. Officers also warned residents to follow emergency instructions while the investigation continued.
The incident led to a major emergency services operation, with armed police, bomb disposal teams and other specialist personnel deployed around Whelford and RAF Fairford.
RAF Fairford Used in Iran Operations
RAF Fairford has a significant connection to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The Gloucestershire base hosts US Air Force units and has been used by American bombers during operations against Iranian targets. The UK government previously authorized US forces to use the base for strikes against Iranian missile sites.
Iranian authorities have previously warned Britain over allowing US bombers to operate from Fairford. Iranian Revolutionary Guard officials said bases used to launch attacks against Iran could be considered legitimate targets.
That background has added security concerns around the facility, although police have not publicly identified the five suspects or confirmed their motive.
Investigation Continues
US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been under investigation and claimed they were seeking to cause “big damage” at the facility. His comments were not presented by police as a final finding about the suspects’ intentions.
The US Air Force said American and British personnel remained vigilant. Officials declined to provide specific details about security measures at the base.
Security was also reportedly increased at other US-linked military facilities in Britain following the incident.
Police have not yet announced charges against the five men. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the vehicles and gather evidence about what happened near RAF Fairford.
