British counter-extremism police arrested five men Sunday near a U.S.-operated air base in England after explosives were found in three vans heading toward the installation — a plot President Donald Trump says was targeting American forces.
The arrests came just minutes from Royal Air Force Fairford in Gloucestershire, a UK-owned base where U.S. bomber operations have been running strikes against Iran. The facility has served as a critical staging point for American military operations in the region for decades, offering strategic positioning that allows rapid deployment capabilities across Europe and the Middle East. British authorities received a tip at 12:45 a.m. Sunday about three suspicious vehicles approaching the base.
Photos emerged showing the five suspects detained by armed police. Authorities have not disclosed their names or nationalities.
Police evacuated 85 households from the nearby Cotswolds village of Whelford and established a 400-meter cordon around the white vans while army bomb disposal robots examined the vehicles’ contents. The evacuation disrupted the quiet rural community, located in one of England’s most picturesque regions, underscoring the serious nature of the threat assessment by authorities. Residents were moved to temporary accommodation while specialist units conducted their examination.
The suspects were initially detained on explosives charges. By Sunday evening, they were re-arrested on suspicion of preparing an extremist act. The change in charges reflects the evolving nature of the investigation and suggests authorities gathered additional intelligence throughout the day that elevated their assessment of the alleged plot’s scope and intent.
Counter-extremism officials are investigating whether Iran orchestrated the plot, according to The Guardian. Security sources emphasize they are keeping an open mind as the investigation unfolds. The inquiry involves multiple intelligence agencies coordinating across international boundaries, examining communications records, financial transactions, and any potential links to known extremist networks or state actors.
Testing continues to determine if the suspected devices are viable. Forensic analysis of the materials found in the vehicles will be critical to establishing both the capability of any devices and potentially tracing their origin through chemical signatures and construction methods.
Speaking to reporters in Chicago on Sunday, Trump praised British authorities for their response and confirmed U.S. intelligence had been tracking the suspects.
“It was 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.”
BREAKING: President Trump praised British police for their “amazing” response after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford over a suspected plot.
Trump said the suspects were “looking to do big damage” as counter-extremism officers lead the investigation.
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— One America News (@OANN) September 27, 2026
The arrests occurred against the backdrop of escalating hostilities between the U.S. and Iran. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps previously warned that any base supporting U.S. strikes on Iran would be considered a “legitimate target” — specifically naming RAF Fairford. These public threats have placed heightened scrutiny on Western military installations involved in operations against Iranian interests, prompting increased security measures at vulnerable locations.
The base hosts the U.S. Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and 420th Air Base Squadron, which have conducted operations against Iranian positions. RAF Fairford’s strategic importance has grown significantly during recent conflicts, with its infrastructure capable of supporting heavy bomber aircraft and serving as a forward operating location for extended military campaigns. The base represents a vital component of the U.S.-UK defense partnership.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by military installations in allied nations hosting American forces during periods of heightened international tension. It also demonstrates the continued cooperation between British and American intelligence and law enforcement agencies in addressing transnational security threats.
The charges remain allegations. The case has not been proven in court.
