Five arrested near RAF Fairford in major counter-terrorism operation
Five men have been arrested near RAF Fairford air base in Gloucestershire as part of a counter-terrorism investigation that has seen dozens of homes evacuated and bomb disposal teams examine vehicles.
A major incident was declared in the English county of Gloucestershire after police received a report early Sunday morning about three suspicious vehicles heading towards RAF Fairford air base. Armed officers subsequently arrested five men near the village of Whelford, roughly two miles from the base.
The men were initially held on suspicion of Explosives Act offences before being further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Their identities and place of custody have not been disclosed.
Bomb disposal examination
A 400-metre cordon has been set up around several vehicles in Whelford, which a bomb disposal team is examining. Aerial footage showed a remote-controlled robot approaching two stationary white vans in a wooded area, though police have not confirmed its use was part of the operation.
Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation. A senior Gloucestershire Police official said a large emergency service presence would remain in the area for some time while officers work to establish the full nature of what happened.
Evacuated residents
Eighty-five households have been evacuated, with residents directed to shelter at a nearby leisure centre. Several described being woken by police in the middle of the night and told to leave immediately. Local officials say evacuated residents may need to stay overnight while the area around their homes is made safe.
US President Donald Trump said the men arrested had been under observation for a long time and were planning to cause significant damage. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the incident deeply concerning, while Defence Secretary Wes Streeting declined to comment on the live operation, including on questions about possible Iranian involvement.
RAF Fairford has served as a forward operating base for the US Air Force for decades, including during the Cold War and the Gulf wars. It was most recently used on 1 March for US strikes described as defensive action against Iranian capabilities.
