By George Omagbemi
British counter-terrorism police are questioning five men arrested in the early hours of Sunday, September 27, 2026, near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, over suspected explosives offences and the alleged preparation of a terrorist act.
The arrests followed a report at about 12:45 a.m. of three suspicious vans apparently travelling towards the airbase, which has been used by the United States for military operations against Iranian targets.
Police established a 400-metre security cordon around the vehicles while Army bomb-disposal specialists examined them. As a precaution, residents of about 85 nearby homes were evacuated during the operation.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the investigation remains at an early stage and that the five suspects remain in custody. Police have not publicly identified them or confirmed a motive.
Investigators are reportedly examining possible Iranian links, alongside other possibilities including Russian sabotage and an Islamist plot. US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been under investigation by British and US authorities and alleged they were planning to cause “big damage,” while British officials have urged caution against speculation.
The incident comes amid heightened security around US military facilities in Britain and escalating tensions linked to the conflict with Iran.
No charges or convictions have been established, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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