Five Arrested Near US Air Base in UK Terror Probe
Five men have been arrested after three suspicious vehicles were reported near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, triggering a major security operation and the evacuation of about 85 homes.
Gloucestershire Police said officers were called at around 00:45 BST on Sunday after a resident reported three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the military base.
The five men were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. They were later arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, as counter-terrorism officers took over the investigation.
Bomb disposal specialists were deployed to the area to examine vehicles linked to the incident, while police established a cordon around parts of Whelford, a village close to RAF Fairford.
Residents from about 85 homes were evacuated as a precaution and taken to a nearby leisure centre. Police said the investigation was continuing and officers were working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
RAF Fairford has a long-standing connection with the United States military and is used as a forward operating base by the US Air Force. US military officials said they were working closely with British authorities to monitor the situation and protect American personnel, their families and the surrounding community.
US President Donald Trump also addressed the arrests, saying the men had been under observation for some time and alleging that they were looking to cause “big damage”.
Police have not released the identities of the five suspects, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have yet to establish publicly whether the men had any direct connection to the US military presence at RAF Fairford or whether any wider organisation was involved.
The incident has brought heightened security to the area as British counter-terrorism officers and military specialists continue their investigation.
