Five Men Arrested Near UK Airbase After Suspicious Vans Trigger Terror Investigation

British counterterrorism police have arrested five men near RAF Fairford after three suspicious vehicles were reported travelling toward the military airbase in Gloucestershire.

Five men have been arrested near a US-used military airbase in southwest England after police received a report about three suspicious vehicles travelling toward the site early Sunday morning.

Counter Terrorism Policing said the incident happened near RAF Fairford, where armed officers responded after receiving a call at around 12:45 a.m. about the vehicles.

The five men were arrested in the nearby Whelford area on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act. Police said the men remain in custody while investigators work to establish what happened.  

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Bomb Disposal Team Examines Vehicles

A 400-metre cordon was established around the vehicles as the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit examined them.

As a precaution, around 85 households were evacuated from the area. A nearby leisure centre was opened as a temporary safe location for residents who could not stay with friends or relatives.

Police said the incident was contained and urged members of the public not to speculate while the investigation continues.  

RAF Fairford’s Role in US Military Operations

RAF Fairford hosts US Air Force personnel and has been used as a base for American military operations involving Iran.

The proximity of the arrests to the airbase has increased attention on the incident, but authorities have not publicly established a motive or said that the five suspects had successfully carried out, or were about to carry out, an attack.

Investigators are continuing to examine the vehicles and gather evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the arrests.

The UK government said the prime minister was being kept updated on the incident, while police and other emergency services remained at the scene.  

The investigation remains ongoing, and the five men have not been convicted of any offence.