Five Arrested on Terror Suspicion Near US Bomber Hub RAF Fairford in Britain

British counterterrorism officers are investigating five men arrested Sunday, Sept. 27, near RAF Fairford, a major U.S. Air Force bomber staging location in Europe.

The arrests are the result of a call about three suspicious vehicles believed to be headed toward the installation, The call came at about 12:45 a.m. Sept. 27, according to a Metropolitan Police statement, with arrests prompting a bomb disposal response and the evacuation of nearby homes.

“I know today’s incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country,” Prime Minister Andy Burnham wrote on X.

Police reportedly suspect the men of explosives offenses and preparing a terrorist act but have not released their identities or described a specific plan. A specific motive has not been detailed at this time, although the base is used to stage U.S. strikes on Iran. Tehran has warned it could be a target.

Armed officers arrested the five in Whelford, a village beside the airfield, initially on suspicion of offenses under Britain’s Explosives Act.

They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Trump Says ‘Big Damage Intended’

President Donald Trump said U.S. and British authorities had watched the suspects for a long time and that they intended to do “big damage to our fort,” according to remarks on Sunday.

Counterterrorism Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans described the inquiry as being in its early stages.

“As you would expect, we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident,” Evans said, according to the Air Force Times.

Authorities established a roughly 400-meter, or quarter-mile, cordon while specialists examined the vehicles. About 85 households were evacuated, according to Reuters.

Police have not said what led to the suspicion or whether the vehicles contained explosives. Bomb disposal specialists were examining them as a precaution, and police have not reported a bomb or a breach of the base.

A Bomber Hub Amid the Iran War

Fairford houses the headquarters of the 501st Combat Support Wing.

Its 420th Air Base Squadron receives and sustains deployed aircraft and crews at what the Air Force calls its only bomber forward operating location in Europe. Its role became more consequential after the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began in February.

Britain’s government authorized U.S. use of Fairford and Diego Garcia for limited strikes on Iranian missile facilities. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later warned that bases used to launch attacks could be targets.

The U.S. Air Force said its personnel remained vigilant but declined to detail security measures.

Armored vehicles and troops also appeared at two other U.S. Air Force bases in England: RAF Lakenheath, which hosts fighter aircraft, and RAF Mildenhall, which supports aerial refueling and special operations.

British police made the arrests in Whelford, outside Fairford’s perimeter.

The Potential Charges

Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 covers conduct undertaken with the intention of committing terrorist acts or helping someone else commit them. An attack need not occur.

Prosecutors would still need evidence of both intent and preparation. Proximity to a base or possession of an ordinary vehicle alone would not establish the offense.

The law permits a life sentence upon conviction, a measure of its gravity rather than an indication of guilt here. Under the applicable detention framework, a terrorism suspect can be held for up to 14 days without charge.

Although American aircraft operate from Fairford, it is a British installation. The 1951 NATO Status of Forces Agreement and Britain’s Visiting Forces Act govern the U.S. presence, and combat use of British bases requires a joint decision by the two governments.

British police are leading this investigation.