UK counter-terrorism police arrested five men on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after three suspicious vehicles were driven toward RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, according to a statement released on Sunday. The facility is currently used by the US Air Force for strikes on Iran.
Counter-Terrorism Police Launch Investigation at RAF Fairford
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), a specialist unit operating across multiple forces, received a report at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Sunday regarding three suspicious vehicles heading toward the air base. Armed officers responded to the call and detained five men in the nearby Whelford area. The suspects were initially arrested on suspicion of committing offenses under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under section 5 of the Terrorism Act, as reported by The Guardian.
Aerial footage broadcast by the BBC showed explosive disposal robots operating around vans parked on a road near the facility. CTP assumed leadership of the inquiry, while local Gloucestershire police continued to manage specific aspects of the response. The army’s specialist ordnance disposal team deployed to examine multiple vehicles involved in the security operation.
Major Incident Declared and Local Residents Evacuated
Gloucestershire police declared a major incident following the discovery, allowing the regional force to request support from neighboring agencies. Authorities established a 400-meter cordon around the targeted vehicles while the army’s explosive ordnance disposal unit conducted examinations. As a precautionary measure, approximately 85 households in the Whelford area were advised to evacuate.
Gloucestershire police assistant chief constable Richard Ocone stated that work to establish the full nature of the incident remains ongoing in constant communication with local and national partners. Downing Street confirmed that Prime Minister Andy Burnham was receiving regular updates on the situation while attending the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, prompting him to cancel plans to participate in a politicians-versus-journalists football match.
US Air Base Operations and Foreign State Security Context
RAF Fairford serves as the headquarters for the US Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and the 420th Air Base Squadron. Under arrangements authorized by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the US military has utilized the facility to deploy B-1 and B-52 bombers for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Security services and government ministers have issued persistent warnings regarding heightened risks of hybrid warfare and foreign-sponsored security incidents in the United Kingdom. In July, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a public warning to Britain regarding the use of RAF Fairford, stating that any base used for aggression against Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target. Investigators are examining potential state involvement while maintaining an open mind as inquiries continue.
Official Reactions to the Gloucestershire Security Operation
US President Donald Trump commended the security personnel involved in the operation during remarks in Chicago, stating that authorities had the suspects under observation before executing the arrests. The U.S. Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing expressed appreciation for the swift response and continued support of UK police forces in maintaining the safety of military personnel and local communities.
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