British police arrested five men early Sunday on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act after three suspicious vehicles were reported traveling toward RAF Fairford, a UK base that hosts US Air Force bombers, authorities said.
The incident began around 12:45 a.m. local time Sunday when police received a call about the vehicles, according to Gloucestershire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone. Armed officers responded and arrested the five men in the Whelford area, about a mile from the base. Police declared a major incident and ordered evacuations of approximately 85 households in the village of Whelford while British Army explosive ordnance disposal teams examined the vehicles.
A 400-meter cordon was placed around the vehicles, and residents were evacuated to a nearby leisure center, Ocone said. Police said they believe the incident is contained.
Counterterrorism officers are leading the investigation. Authorities have not identified the suspects or disclosed the exact nature and scale of the suspected attack.
RAF Fairford is a regular host of US strategic assets, including B-1B Lancer bombers and U-2 spy planes, and serves as a staging point for aircraft being ferried between the United States and Europe. B-1B Lancers and B-52 Stratofortresses operated from the base for strikes against Iran earlier this year. The Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing is based at Fairford.
A US Air Force spokesperson declined to discuss specific force protection measures, citing operational security, but said the 501st Combat Support Wing “appreciates the swift response and continued support of our local law enforcement partners.”
A Temporary Flight Restriction was imposed over Whelford following the incident, applying to all aircraft including drones and balloons.
Speaking to reporters, President Donald Trump said the suspects were aiming to do “big damage.” British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the investigation is ongoing.
The base has drawn direct threats in the past. Tasnim News Agency, an Iranian outlet with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said on Telegram on July 23 that “any base that is used to invade Iran’s territory is our legitimate goal,” in a statement about B-1 planes flying from Fairford. No connection has been established between Sunday’s incident and any particular group.
Sources: Stars and Stripes · The War Zone