LONDON, September 27, 2026 (BBC/CNN/Agencies) — British police have arrested five men on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act near RAF Fairford, an air base in southwest England used by US forces.
Police received a call at around 12:45 a.m. about three suspicious vehicles apparently travelling towards the base. Armed officers arrested the five men in the nearby Whelford area. They were initially detained under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under the Terrorism Act.
Army explosive ordnance disposal specialists were deployed to examine the three vehicles, while a 400-metre cordon was established around them. About 85 households in Whelford were evacuated as a precaution. Police said the incident was contained.
Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation. Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans said the inquiry was in its early stages and that the five suspects remained in custody while investigators worked with partner agencies to establish the circumstances.
RAF Fairford hosts US Air Force units and has been used by American bombers for operations against Iran. US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been seeking to cause “big damage,” although British authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive or identified who they believe was behind the alleged plot.
The arrests come amid heightened security concerns in Britain linked to the wider conflict in the Middle East and threats against facilities used by US forces.