Five men were arrested by British authorities on Sunday on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack at a UK military base. The base has been used by the US Air Force to carry out strikes against Iran.
British counter-terrorism police are investigating whether the incident was connected to Iran after three suspicious vans were reported traveling toward RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Officers arrested five men under the Explosives Act and on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Army bomb specialists were also deployed to examine the three vehicles.
Authorities evacuated around 85 households in the area while they investigated the incident. Roadblocks were also established around the area.
Authorities are considering whether the thwarted attack was an Islamist plot or could have been a Russian sabotage operation. However, an Iran-linked motive is considered the most likely option. According to The Telegraph, sources have suggested that if Iran were linked to the plot, they would have likely used their own operatives rather than criminal proxies.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said in a post on X, “The safety and security of the public is our first priority, and I want people to know that we will always take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep our country safe.”
President Donald Trump also commented on the arrests, saying the men were “looking to do big damage.” He told reporters that the police operation was “fantastic.”
“We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great,” the president said. “We had them under view for a long time, and we got them. Thank you.”
