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

<p>British police arrested five men on Sunday on suspicion of terrorism near a U.K. air base used for U.S. operations in Iran. President Donald Trump stated that the suspects had been under investigation.</p><p><strong>The latest: </strong>Trump told reporters on Sunday morning, "Working with Britain, 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 and we got them." </p><hr /><p><strong>The big picture: </strong>Officials declared a major incident and established roadblocks overnight near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, southwestern England.</p><ul><li>The incident, which British investigators did not immediately link to Tehran, comes one day after Trump said he had rejected the latest Iranian proposal to end the war. However, he indicated that he expects fresh talks this week.</li></ul><p><strong>State of play: </strong>Police received a call around 12:45 a.m. local time on Sunday regarding "three suspicious vehicles" that appeared to be traveling towards the air base used by the U.S. 501st Combat Support Wing and the 420th Air Base Squadron, according to a Metropolitan Police statement.</p><ul><li>Armed officers responded in the area of Whelford, a village approximately 33 miles from Oxford. The men were arrested on suspicion of committing offenses under the Explosives Act and further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act, according to the statement.</li></ul><p><strong>Zoom in: </strong>U.K. counter-terrorism official Vicki Evans stated that officers established a 400-meter cordon (approximately a quarter-mile) around the vehicles while the British Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit conducted examinations.</p><ul><li>As a precaution, around 85 households were evacuated while these examinations took place. A nearby leisure center was opened for those evacuated from the area.</li></ul><p><strong>Context: </strong>RAF Fairford is the U.S. Air Force's preferred bomber forward operating location in Europe and supports a variety of missions and exercises throughout the year, according to the Air Force.</p><p><strong>Flashback: </strong>Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned in July that any base used for attacks on Iranian territory would be considered a "legitimate target," specifically referencing U.S. B-1 bombers flying from RAF Fairford.</p><p><strong>What they're saying: </strong>The 501st Combat Support Wing stated that no U.S. Air Force personnel were involved in the incident. "The 501st Combat Support Wing appreciates the swift response and continued support of our local law enforcement partners. We remain in close coordination with our UK partners to help ensure the safety and security of both our military and local communities," the statement said.</p><p><em>Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.</em></p>