Five men arrested over terror threat near strategic UK air base RAF Fairford
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near the strategically important RAF Fairford air base in Gloucestershire, while 85 households in a nearby village were evacuated.
In the early hours of Sunday, 27 September, police in Gloucestershire received a report of three suspicious vans heading toward the RAF Fairford air base. The call came in around 00:45 local time after a village resident spotted the vehicles parked near the base along with a group of masked men.
Police responded immediately and arrested five men. They were initially held on suspicion of breaching explosives legislation, but the charges were later expanded to include suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism. As of Sunday evening, all five remained in custody, with the UK's counter-terrorism police now leading the investigation.
Evacuation and security measures
An army bomb disposal unit was deployed to the base to examine the vehicles. A 400-metre security cordon was set up around them, and images showed a robot approaching the vans in wooded terrain. Gloucestershire's acting police chief, Maggie Blyth, said the situation was believed to be under control, though she noted emergency services would remain in the area for several more days as the investigation is still in its early stages.
In the nearby village of Welford, 85 households were evacuated. The local council has pledged to arrange accommodation for residents unable to stay with family or friends. One resident said police woke him early in the morning to say he needed to evacuate due to a serious incident, without providing further details. Another neighbour, who heard screaming during the night, described looking out his window and seeing armed police detaining men, calling the scene surreal.
Strategic importance of the base
RAF Fairford has been used by the US Air Force for decades and has reportedly served recently as a staging point for US military operations against Iran. The UK prime minister described the incident as deeply concerning, while the US president said the detained men had planned to cause significant harm. The investigation into the men's possible intentions continues.
