British police arrested five men on Sunday near RAF Fairford, a base that has been used by the United States to strike Iranian targets, after a tip that three vans had been seen heading toward the military airfield.
US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been looking to "big damage" and had been under investigation by British and US authorities. The arrests came after counter‑terrorism detectives received a call about suspicious vehicles travelling toward the base in the early hours.
Five men were taken into custody on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Police said a 400‑metre cordon surrounded the base while bomb disposal units investigated the vans. Local residents in 85 homes were evacuated and armed officers patrolled the area.
Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans confirmed that the investigation was in its early stages and that the men remained in custody, adding that the team was working closely with partners to understand the circumstances.
An Iranian‑linked motive is considered the most likely, a source familiar with the investigation said, while a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot were also being examined.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham was updated on the incident and thanked police and armed forces, saying on X that the event would be deeply concerning for local residents and many people following developments across the country.
Trump praised the operation, calling it an "amazing job" and noting that the men had been under investigation for a long time. He added that the arrests had prevented the men from "doing big damage to our fort".
Security was heightened at other US bases in the UK, with armoured vehicles and soldiers posted at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. A local farmer reported seeing the vans and men acting suspiciously and alerted police.
British ministers have briefed critical infrastructure providers on threats from Russia, amid concerns about potential sabotage and cyberattacks. Russia denies mounting hybrid attacks on Western nations.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation proceeds.
