Five men have been arrested in southwest England on suspicion of offences under terrorism and explosives legislation after police received information about vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford, a US-used military base in Gloucestershire.
Armed officers stopped three vans in the early hours of the morning before taking the men into custody. Counter-terrorism officers are investigating the incident, while bomb disposal teams examined the vehicles.
The suspects were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and remain in custody.
Security cordon established around RAF Fairford
National Counter Terrorism Coordinator Vicki Evans said the investigation was still at an early stage and that the five men remained in custody.
Police established a 400-metre exclusion zone around the base, while 85 homes in a nearby village were evacuated as a precaution.
RAF Fairford is used by the US military and has hosted American long-range bombers. The base has gained particular attention amid the conflict involving Iran, with the British government allowing US aircraft stationed there to be used in operations against Iranian missile positions.
Security was also reportedly increased at other US-linked military facilities in Britain, including RAF Lakenheath in eastern England. Witnesses reported seeing additional armoured vehicles and military personnel at the base.
A US Air Force spokesperson did not comment directly on the incident but said the military continually assesses a range of factors when deciding what security measures are needed to protect its facilities, personnel and their families.
Trump says suspects planned to cause ‘great damage’
British police have not publicly identified who may have been behind the suspected plot or disclosed a possible motive.
US President Donald Trump said the suspects had intended to cause “great damage” and claimed they had been under observation for some time before being arrested.
Trump also praised cooperation between the United States and Britain.
The incident comes after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned in July that British bases allowing US bombers to operate from their territory could be considered legitimate targets.
At the time, the British government said its armed forces were prepared to protect the country against any attack.
Previous security breach at UK military base
The latest incident follows a separate breach at a British military facility in June 2025.
Members of Palestine Action entered a military airfield in central England and carried out an action targeting military aircraft. The group has since been designated as a terrorist organisation by the British government.
The latest arrests come as security concerns around US-linked military facilities in Britain remain heightened amid the wider conflict involving Iran.
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