5 Men Arrested Over Suspected Terror Plot Near U.K. Base Used by U.S. Forces
Bomb disposal teams are examining vehicles near RAF Fairford as police investigate suspected explosives offenses.
British police arrested five men near RAF Fairford, a military base used by the United States Air Force, on suspicion of explosives offenses and preparing a terrorist act. The arrest came after a report of three suspicious vehicles traveling towards the base. Armed officers responded to the incident, which was reported at around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, and arrested the men in nearby Whelford. Counterterrorism police are now leading an investigation into the matter.
Fairford, a standby airfield and forward operating location for the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, recently saw U.S. military aircraft launching B-52 and B-1 bombers against targets in Iran. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone stated that armed officers swiftly responded to the call, arrested the men, and evacuated 85 households in the area. A 400-meter cordon was established around the vehicles, and the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit examined them.
Ocone assured the public that the situation is "contained" and that the five men remain in custody, awaiting questioning by police. The base houses the 501st Combat Support Wing Headquarters and the 420th Air Base Squadron and is considered the preferred bomber forward operating location in Europe by the U.S. Air Force.
The U.S. Air Force confirmed that none of its personnel are involved in the incident but emphasized their close coordination with UK partners to ensure the safety and security of both military personnel and local communities. This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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