British counterterrorism police are investigating a suspected terrorist plot near RAF Fairford, a military base in Gloucestershire used by U.S. forces, after five men were arrested early Sunday on suspicion of explosives offenses and preparing a terrorist act.
President Donald Trump later praised the British-U.S. cooperation behind the arrests and said the suspects had been planning to cause serious damage to the base.
“We had them under view for a long time and we got them,” Trump said. He added that the suspects were “looking to do big damage” and said cooperation with British authorities had worked well.
Three Suspicious Vehicles Were Heading Toward the Base
According to Counter Terrorism Policing, police received a call at around 12:45 a.m. Sunday about three suspicious vehicles that appeared to be traveling toward RAF Fairford.
Armed officers responded and arrested five men in the Whelford area. They were initially detained on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and were later further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
The five men remained in custody Sunday as investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Bomb Disposal Team Called In
Authorities established a 400-meter cordon around the vehicles while the British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit examined them.
As a precaution, around 85 households in the nearby Whelford area were evacuated. A local leisure center was opened for residents who could not stay with relatives or friends.
Police described the investigation as being in its early stages and urged the public not to speculate while evidence is gathered.
RAF Fairford Has Been Used in Operations Against Iran
RAF Fairford is a British air base that also hosts U.S. forces and has taken on increased strategic importance during the war with Iran.
The base has been used by American bombers for limited operations against Iranian targets after Britain authorized U.S. forces to use Fairford for strikes on Iranian missile sites earlier this year.
That connection has drawn particular attention to Sunday’s arrests, although British police have not publicly confirmed any motive or announced any link between the suspects and Iran or another foreign government or organization.
Trump Says Suspects Were Under Surveillance
Trump said U.S. and British authorities had been watching the suspects before the arrests.
His comments went further than the initial police statement, which confirmed the terrorism and explosives investigation but did not publicly detail what investigators believe the men intended to do or what may have been found inside the vehicles.
Counterterrorism officials said they are working closely with Gloucestershire Police and other partners while forensic and explosive examinations continue.
Investigation Continues
Security around RAF Fairford has been increased as the investigation continues.
Officials have not released the identities of the five suspects, and no charges had been announced as of Sunday afternoon.
For now, authorities are treating the case as a suspected terrorist plot, but investigators have emphasized that the inquiry is still at an early stage and that the motive remains under investigation.
Sources: Reuters, Counter Terrorism Policing / Metropolitan Police, PBS NewsHour, CBS News
By NJ RADAR Team