UK Police Arrest Five in RAF Fairford Terror Probe

British counterterrorism police arrested five men near RAF Fairford on Sunday on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences after authorities received reports of suspicious vehicles heading toward the military air base.

RAF Fairford, located in western England, has been used by the United States for operations against Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump said the suspects had been under investigation by British and American authorities and were allegedly planning to cause “big damage.”

Police said they received a report early Sunday that three suspicious vans appeared to be travelling toward RAF Fairford. Armed officers subsequently detained five men, who remained in custody on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

Authorities have not publicly identified the suspects or established a motive. A source familiar with the investigation said investigators were examining several possibilities, including an Iranian-linked motive, Russian sabotage or an Islamist plot.

Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans said investigators were working with partner agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A 400-metre security cordon was established around RAF Fairford while bomb disposal specialists examined the vehicles. Residents from about 85 nearby homes were evacuated, while armed officers patrolled the area.

The British government has previously authorised U.S. bombers stationed at Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being briefed on the investigation and thanked police and military personnel involved in the response.

Security was also increased at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, two other bases in England used by U.S. forces, with soldiers and armoured vehicles observed near entrances.

A local farmer told the Daily Telegraph that she contacted police after spotting vans and masked men behaving suspiciously near the base during the early morning.

The arrests come amid heightened concerns over threats against British military and critical infrastructure. UK officials have previously warned about potential Russian sabotage and cyberattacks, allegations Moscow denies, while Iranian officials had warned against allowing British bases to support U.S. military operations.