Five Men Detained After Suspected Plot Targeting RAF Fairford

British Defence Minister Wes Streeting said the investigation into a suspected plot to attack RAF Fairford, the airbase used by U.S. long-range bombers, is ongoing and that five men remain in detention. The arrests were made early Sunday near the base after a local resident reported three white vans and a group of hooded, masked men in the village. Counter-terrorism police said the men were initially detained for possession of explosives and later charged with preparation of a terrorist act.

Aerial footage showed a bomb-disposal robot moving among the vans in nearby woods, and observers heard sounds consistent with controlled detonations. Authorities have not disclosed where the suspects are being held or the contents of the vans.

Streeting declined to speculate on possible foreign involvement, noting that the investigation is at an early stage. In July, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any base used for attacks against Iranian territory could be considered a legitimate target.

U.S. President Donald Trump described the arrests as “fantastic” and said the United States and the United Kingdom had been monitoring the suspects for a long time, though British officials have not confirmed his statement.

Local residents said security around the base has been tightened in recent days, with roadblocks at the entrance, but surrounding roads remain open. A U.S. Air Force spokesperson declined to comment on specific force-protection measures, saying the unit remains vigilant to ensure the safety of service members and civilians.