Five Men Arrested Near U.K. Air Base on Suspicion of Terrorism

LONDON (AP) — U.K. police reported that five men were arrested early Sunday near an air base used by the United States during its military operations against Iran. The arrests were made on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act involving three trucks. London's Metropolitan Police, which oversees potential terrorist activities, stated they received a call at 12:45 a.m. regarding three suspicious vehicles heading toward RAF Fairford, a U.K.-owned base operated by the U.S. under a Cold War agreement. The arrests coincide with increased concerns about threats from hostile states, including Russia and Iran, which have reportedly used proxies to conduct crimes in the U.K. Officials noted that the number of national security cases involving hostile state activities, including those linked to Iran, rose by 50% in the six months leading up to December 2025. Fairford has been utilized by American bombers for limited strikes against Iranian missile sites under an agreement with former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who opposed the war initiated by the U.S. and Israel on February 28. Authorities are exploring a possible connection between the arrests and Iran, which has previously stated that bases used to attack its territory are legitimate targets. U.S. President Donald Trump commended those involved in the arrests, stating, "It was an amazing job. We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort. And working with the British worked out great." The five men were initially arrested on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act in the Whelford area, adjacent to RAF Fairford, which houses the U.S. Air Force's 501st Combat Support Wing and the 420th Air Base Squadron. Aerial footage from Sky News showed a bomb disposal robot inspecting the three trucks, with large black items visible around the vehicles. Police did not disclose the nationalities of those arrested. Under the Terrorism Act 2000, suspects can be detained for up to 14 days without charge, compared to the standard 24-hour limit. Vicki Evans, the Met's counterterrorism policing senior national coordinator, stated that the investigation is in its early stages and the five men remain in custody. A 400-meter cordon has been established around the suspicious vehicles while examinations are conducted, leading to the evacuation of approximately 85 households, some of whom were relocated to a nearby recreation center. The U.S. embassy in London advised Americans to exercise caution regarding their personal security. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged the incident's potential to cause concern and expressed gratitude to police and armed forces for their response, urging the public not to speculate while authorities gather information. The defense secretaries of the U.S. and U.K. have also commented on the situation. British security officials indicated that proxies linked to Iran have been involved in various arson and sabotage attempts in the U.K. and elsewhere, often targeting the Jewish community, and warned that Tehran might broaden its targets in the U.K. amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Gloucestershire police described the situation as "contained" and advised residents to adhere to official guidance as the investigation proceeds. Julian Tudsbery, a Whelford resident for 30 years, reported that another local had seen three "suspicious vans" in the village early Sunday, noting a significant police presence and an evacuation order due to a major incident.