UK police arrest five near US-used air base on terror suspicion

Counter-terrorism police in the United Kingdom have apprehended five men following a significant incident near RAF Fairford, a British airbase frequently utilized by US forces. The arrests occurred early on Sunday morning, September 27, 2026, in the Whelford area of Gloucestershire, after authorities received a report around 12:45 a.m. local time concerning three suspicious vehicles observed heading towards the base.

The individuals were initially detained on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and were later further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. As a precautionary measure, approximately 85 households in the vicinity were evacuated, and a bomb disposal team was deployed to examine the vehicles in question. Investigations are in their early stages, and a potential link to Iran is being explored, though not confirmed.

President Donald Trump commented on the arrests, stating that the suspects were "looking to do big damage" and that US and UK authorities had been collaborating on the investigation, having had the individuals "under view for a long time". RAF Fairford has been used by American bombers for strikes against Iranian missile sites, a point that Iran has previously highlighted, indicating that any base used for aggression against its territory would be considered a legitimate target.