Five British men from London have been arrested over suspected terrorism and explosives offences following an incident near RAF Fairford, a military base in Gloucestershire used by the United States Air Force.
Counter Terrorism Policing said on Monday that the five suspects are British nationals aged between 23 and 25. They were arrested in the nearby village of Whelford during the early hours of Sunday after police received reports of suspicious vehicles travelling towards the airbase.
The men were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act before also being detained on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Police said investigators were still working to establish exactly what the suspects were doing, what they knew and what may have motivated their actions.
Three white vans were examined by bomb disposal specialists as part of the investigation, while a significant police and military presence remained in the area.
The incident led to the evacuation of about 85 homes in Whelford as a precaution. Residents were kept away from their properties while specialist officers examined the vehicles and surrounding area.
Iran connection not established
The arrests have attracted particular attention because RAF Fairford has been used by the US military during operations connected to the conflict with Iran.
British authorities are examining different possible explanations for the incident, but police have not publicly confirmed that Iran was responsible or that the suspects were acting on behalf of Tehran. Reports have indicated that investigators are considering multiple lines of inquiry.
Iran’s embassy in London has rejected suggestions that Tehran was involved.
The embassy said it categorically rejected what it described as speculation attempting to link Iran to the arrests.
British officials have also urged caution while the investigation continues.
Farmer raises alarm
The police operation began after a local farmer reported suspicious activity in the area.
She told the BBC that she saw a group of hooded and masked men and contacted emergency services after becoming concerned about what she had witnessed.
The farmer later said she believed her call helped prevent whatever the men may have been planning. However, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said she had only seen a “partial picture” of events and cautioned against drawing conclusions before investigators establish the facts.
Trump comments on arrests
US President Donald Trump also commented on the arrests, saying the five men had been under observation for some time.
Trump said the suspects were allegedly intending to cause significant damage, although British investigators have not publicly confirmed the full nature or intended target of any alleged plot.
RAF Fairford has become an increasingly sensitive location because of its role in supporting US military operations. The heightened security has also affected residents living close to the base.
Local people said additional patrols and security measures had been noticeable around the facility.
Counter-terrorism officers are continuing their investigation, while the suspects remain in custody.
Authorities have not announced charges against the five men, and no final conclusion has been made about the motive behind the incident.
