British police have arrested five men on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act at RAF Fairford, a US Air Force base in Gloucestershire, England. The arrests were made on Sunday, and the men are also suspected of committing offences under the Explosives Act. Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation into the incident, which has been described as a "major incident".
The incident occurred after Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned in July that any base used in strikes against Iranian missile sites would be a legitimate target. The British government had given authorization for the US to use RAF Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being updated about the incident, and the government said it would be inappropriate to comment while investigations are ongoing.
Residents of a nearby village were woken in the early hours and ordered to leave their homes as a precautionary measure. Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire engines, were parked up in the village of Fairford near the base, while a helicopter flew above. The army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team examined a number of vehicles, and a bomb disposal robot was operating near to three large white vans parked nearby.
Gloucestershire police said in a statement that a number of properties were being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident. The police said they believed the incident was now contained. A Reuters eyewitness reported that armed police had blocked access to the main gate of the base, while machinery had been positioned in front of access points.
A spokesperson for the US Air Force declined to discuss specific force protection measures but said that the 501st Combat Support Wing and other UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families. The US Air Force constantly assesses a variety of factors to determine what measures to institute or modify to protect its installations, people, and families.
Media reports suggest that security has been increased at other bases used by the US in Britain, including at Lakenheath and Mildenhall. British ministers have also previously briefed providers of critical infrastructure on the threat posed by Russia, with the government increasingly concerned about possible sabotage operations and cyberattacks. Russia denies mounting hybrid attacks on Western nations.
The incident highlights the ongoing security concerns surrounding US military bases in the UK. The British government and law enforcement agencies are working closely with the US Air Force to ensure the safety and security of personnel and installations. An investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Key points
- Five men arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act at RAF Fairford
- Incident linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards warning in July
- Security increased at US bases in Britain amid ongoing threats
