British police arrested five men on September 27, 2026, on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near RAF Fairford, a UK air base used by the US military. The arrests were made after a tip-off about three suspicious vans heading towards the airfield in the early hours of the morning. The men were taken into custody by armed officers and are being held on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act.
According to Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans, the investigation is in its early stages, and police are working closely with partners to understand the circumstances of the incident. A 400-metre cordon was put in place around the base as the bomb disposal unit investigated the vans. Local residents in 85 homes in a nearby village were evacuated, and armed officers were patrolling the site.
The incident is believed to have been motivated by an Iranian-linked plot, although a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot are also being considered. US President Donald Trump stated that the suspects had been looking to "do big damage" and had been under investigation by British and US authorities. Trump praised the arrest, saying it was "an amazing job" and that the US had been working closely with the British to apprehend the suspects.
The air base, RAF Fairford, has been used by the US to launch attacks on Iranian missile sites that were targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In July, the British government stated that its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack after Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned it not to allow US bombers to fly from Fairford. The UK government has given authorization for the US to use bombers based at Fairford for military operations.
Local residents reported seeing suspicious activity in the area, including a group of men acting strangely near the air base. A local farmer alerted police after seeing the vans and men, who were wearing masks or balaclavas, running off into the trees. The incident prompted increased security measures at other bases used by the US, including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in eastern England.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham was updated on the incident and thanked the police and armed forces for their response. Burnham stated that the incident would be "deeply concerning" for local residents and for many people following developments across the country. The UK government has been briefed on the threat posed by Russia, with concerns about possible sabotage operations and cyberattacks.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with police working to determine the motives and plans of the suspects. The US Air Force has declined to discuss specific force protection measures at the base but stated that they remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of their personnel.
Key points
- Five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near RAF Fairford air base used by the US military.
- The incident is believed to have been motivated by an Iranian-linked plot, although other possibilities are also being considered.
- The air base has been used by the US to launch attacks on Iranian missile sites that were targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
