-
Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after police received a report shortly before 1am on Sunday about three suspicious vehicles apparently travelling towards the air base, which is used by the US military for bomber operations.
-
US President Donald Trump said the suspects were “looking to do big damage” to the base and said American and British authorities had been monitoring them.
-
Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation, while British Army bomb-disposal experts examine the three vehicles. A 400-metre security cordon was established and about 85 nearby households were evacuated as a precaution.
-
The possibility of an Iranian connection is being examined, according to British media reports, amid heightened tensions between London and Tehran and previous Iranian warnings over RAF Fairford’s use in US operations against Iran.
September 28, (THEWILL) – British security authorities have arrested five men over an alleged terrorist plot targeting Royal Air Force Fairford, a key military base in England that has been used by the United States for bomber operations against Iran.
The arrests followed a report to police at about 12:45am on Sunday, September 27, concerning three suspicious vehicles believed to be travelling towards the Gloucestershire air base. Armed officers were deployed and subsequently arrested the five men in the nearby Whelford area.
The suspects were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
The arrests triggered a major security operation around the base, with armed police, roadblocks and emergency vehicles deployed in the area.
Police have urged the public not to speculate about the incident, saying investigators are still working to establish its full circumstances.
“We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody,” Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said.
Iran Link Under Investigation
British security officials have not publicly established who was behind the alleged plot.
However, British media reports said investigators were examining several possible motives, including whether the incident was linked to Iran, Russian sabotage or an Islamist extremist plot.
The reported Iranian angle has attracted particular attention because of RAF Fairford’s role in US military operations against Iranian targets.
The possibility of an Iranian connection comes against the background of escalating tensions between Britain and Iran over the use of British military facilities by the United States.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously warned that British bases used to support attacks on Iranian territory could be regarded as legitimate targets. RAF Fairford was specifically associated with US bomber operations against Iran.
READ ALSO:
Trump: ‘They Were Looking To Do Big Damage’
US President Donald Trump said the arrested men had been under investigation and were allegedly planning to cause significant damage at the base.
“It was fantastic. Working with Britain, 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. We had them under view for a long time, and we got them,” Trump told reporters.
Background
RAF Fairford is a British-owned military installation in Gloucestershire that serves as an important base for US Air Force operations and is regarded as a major bomber operating location in Europe.
The base has hosted American B-1B Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress bombers and has been used for US military operations connected to the conflict with Iran. The installation also supports US military personnel and operations in Britain.
The United Kingdom authorised the use of its bases for limited US operations against Iran earlier this year. That decision intensified concerns about the security of British installations associated with American military operations.
RAF Fairford’s strategic importance and its association with US strikes against Iran have made it a potential focus of heightened security concerns.
Another major US-linked British base, RAF Lakenheath, hosts American fighter aircraft, including F-35A Lightning II and F-15E Strike Eagle jets.
Following Sunday’s incident, US and British authorities reiterated that they were working together to protect military personnel, civilians and surrounding communities.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
