FAIRFORD, England, Sept. 27, 2026 — British authorities arrested five men Sunday on suspicion of explosives and terrorism-related offenses near RAF Fairford, a military facility used by the United States in operations against Iran. Police launched the investigation after receiving a report that three vans were traveling toward the airfield.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the suspects were allegedly planning to do “big damage” and had been monitored by British and American authorities before their arrests.

British counterterrorism officers said police were alerted during the early hours of Sunday after three vehicles were reported behaving suspiciously while apparently heading toward RAF Fairford in western England.

Armed police detained the five men, who were subsequently held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Authorities said the situation was considered contained, but they have not publicly identified the individuals or disclosed who they believe may have been behind the suspected operation.

A person familiar with the investigation said authorities currently consider an Iranian-linked motive the leading possibility. Investigators are also examining whether the incident could have involved Russian sabotage or an Islamist extremist plot.

POLICE CONTINUE INVESTIGATION INTO INCIDENT

“We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain ⁠in custody,” Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans said in a statement.

“As you would expect we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident.”

Police established a 400-meter security perimeter around the air base while bomb disposal specialists examined the vehicles. Authorities also evacuated residents from 85 homes in a nearby village, while armed officers maintained a security presence around the area.

The British government has authorized the United States to operate bombers from Fairford for missions targeting Iranian missile sites involved in attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being kept informed about Sunday’s events.

Burnham expressed gratitude to police and military personnel involved in responding to the incident, writing on X: “I know today’s incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments ​across the country”.

The British government said in July that its armed forces were prepared to defend the country following a warning from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards concerning the use of Fairford by American bombers. Iran had said that bases used to launch attacks could be regarded as legitimate targets.

Trump praised the British response when speaking to reporters, saying: “The arrest in the UK was fantastic,” and describing it as “an amazing job”.

“We had them under investigation. They were looking to ‌do big ⁠damage to our fort and working with the British worked out great … We had them under view for a long time, and we got them,” Trump added.

Security measures were heightened around the base Sunday morning, with armed police blocking access and heavy machinery being used to restrict entry. Reuters witnesses also reported increased security at other British installations used by U.S. forces, including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in eastern England, where soldiers and armored vehicles were stationed near entrances.

LOCAL RESIDENT’S WARNING HELPED TRIGGER RESPONSE

A nearby farmer told the Daily Telegraph that she contacted police after observing several vans and people behaving unusually while she was returning home from a party.

“I ​saw a group of Middle Eastern-looking young ⁠guys running off through the trees. Some of them had masks or balaclavas on, and they all scattered ahead of us as we drove back past,” she told the paper.

“Some of them ran into the fields, and some of them turned to run towards the air base … I ​mean, you don’t see masked men running around at half one in the morning in the countryside near a secure air base ​and not have concerns.”

Local councillor Tristan Wilkinson said the area had already experienced a security warning in recent weeks and that authorities had subsequently increased surveillance around Fairford.

“So there was a specific threat about six weeks ago from the Iranians on this base. At the time, there was increased surveillance around the area,” he said.

A representative of the U.S. Air Force declined to provide details about particular security measures being implemented at the installation.

“The 501st Combat Support Wing and ⁠our fellow ​UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service ​members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” the spokesperson said.

British officials have also recently warned operators of critical infrastructure about potential threats from Russia, amid growing government concerns over possible sabotage and cyberattacks.

Russia has rejected allegations that it is conducting hybrid attacks against Western countries.