British authorities have detained five men near a U.S. airbase on suspicion of terrorism and possessing explosives. The arrests took place following a tipoff about three vans heading towards RAF Fairford in western England. President Donald Trump mentioned that the suspects were planning significant harm and were already being investigated by British and American agencies.
The identities of the suspects have not been disclosed by British counterterrorism officials. The police have not provided detailed information about the case, leading to questions about the extent of surveillance on the suspects. The individuals can be held for up to 14 days before facing charges or release.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been kept informed about the incident and had to cancel his attendance at the Labour Party’s annual conference. A local farmer reported seeing hooded and masked individuals entering fields, prompting her to alert the authorities.
Security measures were heightened around RAF Fairford, with a 400-meter perimeter set up and evacuation of residents from 85 homes. Police used a bomb disposal robot near the vans, while armed officers secured the base’s entrance. Similar security measures were implemented at other U.S. installations in the UK.
In response to the arrests, the U.S. Embassy issued a security advisory for American citizens to be cautious due to potential risks. The UK had raised its terrorism threat level earlier, and in May, sanctioned individuals and entities associated with Iran for alleged hostile activities.
The U.S. had been granted permission to utilize bombers stationed at Fairford for operations against Iranian missile sites threatening ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had warned against allowing such actions, emphasizing that bases used for attacks could be targeted. Defense Minister Wes Streeting highlighted the ongoing need to counter Iranian threats while Iran has denied involvement in any hostile activities in the UK or elsewhere.
