by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
LONDON (Worthy News) – British counterterrorism police arrested five men Sunday near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack close to the strategically important air base used by U.S. forces in operations against Iran.
Police said they received a call shortly after midnight reporting three suspicious vehicles apparently traveling toward RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Armed officers intercepted the vehicles in the nearby Whelford area and arrested five men initially under Britain’s Explosives Act and subsequently on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Authorities established a 400-meter security cordon while British Army explosive-ordnance specialists examined the vehicles, forcing the precautionary evacuation of about 85 nearby households. All five suspects remained in custody as the investigation continued.
RAF Fairford has taken on heightened strategic importance during the ongoing war with Iran, serving U.S. military aircraft involved in operations against Iranian targets. Iranian officials previously warned Britain against allowing American bombers to use the base, saying facilities used to launch attacks against Iran could become legitimate targets. Authorities are reportedly examining a possible Iran connection, though no determination has been announced.
President Donald Trump said U.S. and British authorities had been working together on the investigation and said the suspects appeared to be planning to cause “big damage.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
