Five Men Arrested Near RAF Fairford After Suspected Terror Plot

British police arrested five men near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire early Sunday morning after receiving intelligence about suspicious vehicles heading towards the air base. The base is used by U.S. forces for operations against Iran, including strikes on Iranian missile sites in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to President Donald Trump, the suspects were under investigation by both British and American authorities and had intentions to cause significant damage at RAF Fairford. Counter-terrorism detectives from Britain’s National Crime Agency led the operation and apprehended the men shortly after midnight local time. The five individuals are currently being held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

RAF Fairford, located in western England, has been under heightened security following recent tensions between Iran and Western nations. Local residents near the base were temporarily evacuated from their homes as part of precautionary measures. A 400-meter exclusion zone was established around the airfield while bomb disposal experts examined the vehicles involved.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that local authorities are working diligently to understand all aspects of the incident. The British government has authorized U.S. forces to use RAF Fairford for military operations against Iran since July 2026. This decision came after warnings from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards regarding the potential targeting of bases used by American bombers.

Counter-terrorism police stated that they are still in the initial stages of their investigation and have not yet determined a specific motive or affiliation for those arrested. However, sources close to the probe suggest an Iranian connection is most probable, although Russian sabotage operations and Islamist extremism remain part of the inquiry scope.

The incident has prompted increased security measures at other U.S.-operated bases in England as well. Reuters reporters observed enhanced military presence with armored vehicles and armed personnel guarding RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in eastern regions. The U.S. Air Force declined to comment on specific protective actions but emphasized their commitment to safeguarding installations and personnel.

In light of recent threats, British officials have also warned critical infrastructure providers about potential risks from Russia, indicating growing concerns over hybrid warfare tactics and cyberattacks. Despite these warnings, Russian authorities deny engaging in such activities against Western nations.

This arrest highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by both Britain and its allies as they navigate complex geopolitical tensions involving Iran and other adversaries. The swift response demonstrates close cooperation between British and American intelligence agencies to thwart potential threats targeting military installations crucial for international operations.