Five men have been arrested over a suspected foiled terror plot near RAF Fairford, with Donald Trump warning they were allegedly seeking to cause “big damage” to US forces stationed at the Gloucestershire air base.
Counter-terrorism police are investigating a possible Iranian connection, although ministers have cautioned that it is too early to comment on the suspects’ motives or the origins of the alleged operation.
Police were alerted shortly before 12.45am after a local resident reported men behaving suspiciously around three white vans near the perimeter of the base. Viable incendiary devices and chemicals were later found inside one of the vehicles, according to police.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said the men had been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and offences under the Explosives Act. The investigation remains ongoing.
About 85 homes were evacuated while armed officers, counter-terrorism specialists, the SAS and the Army’s explosive ordnance disposal team searched the area. Residents were taken to a nearby leisure centre as checks were carried out.
A bomb disposal robot was seen examining the vans, two of which had their rear doors open. Large black barrels were visible close to the vehicles.
Trump praises UK response to RAF Fairford arrests
Speaking in Illinois, Mr Trump praised the British response and suggested the suspects had been under observation for some time.
“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,” he said.
He added: “It may have been Scotland Yard, I don’t know. We worked with a lot of them. We had them under view for a long time, and we got them. Thank you.”
However, the arrests are not believed to have formed part of a pre-planned operation, and there is no indication in the source material that police had previously identified the alleged plot.
Wes Streeting, the Defence Secretary, said the UK had been working closely with the United States but declined to discuss any possible Iranian involvement.
“I’m not going to comment on the underlying motivations of those who’ve been arrested today, or indeed the sort of the genesis of their activity,” he said. “I think it’s far too early to comment or speculate, and it would be irresponsible for me to do so.”
Mr Streeting said he had spoken to his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth. Sources close to the investigation have reportedly suggested that Iranian agents may have been directly involved, rather than acting through proxies, but this has not been confirmed.
RAF Fairford serves as a US Air Force command outpost for operations from Europe and has been used by American forces in strikes against Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The base was reportedly warned about by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in July, when Britain was urged not to allow US bombers to operate from the station.
Security tightened around US bases
RAF Fairford has been placed on Delta alert, described as the highest threat level used by the US Department of Defense. Security has also been increased at other US bases in Britain, including RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, which has reportedly been placed on Charlie alert.
A spokesman for the 48th Fighter Wing said the military was continually assessing the factors affecting security measures and that the area around RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell remained vigilant.
Armed officers blocked entrances to RAF Fairford as emergency vehicles gathered nearby. Witnesses reported seeing around 30 police cars, ambulances and fire engines in the village, while roads and access points were closed.
One resident said the five men had been lined up by police with their shirts removed, then searched before being taken away. The resident said the suspects had been seen just outside the base perimeter.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the incident was contained and thanked emergency services for their swift response.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the Government would “always take every step necessary” to protect the country, while urging people not to speculate as investigators established the facts.
