WHELFORD: British counter-terrorism police were holding five men on Sunday after arrests near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and explosives offences.
Police responded after three suspicious vehicles were reported near the airbase. Armed officers arrested the men in Whelford, while Army explosive ordnance disposal specialists examined the vehicles.
Authorities placed a 400-metre cordon around the scene. Authorities advised around 85 households to evacuate as a precaution. US President Donald Trump said American and British authorities had monitored the suspects.
He claimed they were “looking to do big damage”, but police have not publicly identified an intended target or motive.
“The arrest in the UK was fantastic,” Trump said, adding that the suspects “were looking to do big damage… We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.”
A US Air Force spokesperson declined to discuss specific protection measures. The spokesperson said UK-based wings remained vigilant and would take appropriate steps to protect personnel and their families.
Read: UK RAF Fairford Arrests: Several Held Under Explosives Act
Armed police also blocked access to RAF Fairford’s main gate, while around 30 emergency vehicles gathered near the base. Police have not announced whether investigators recovered explosives.
British police arrested five men near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after three suspicious vehicles drew a major security response.
