Five men arrested near UK military base on suspicion of plotting terror attack
Police arrested five men near the RAF Fairford base in Britain on Sunday night on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack and possessing explosives. About 85 nearby households were told to evacuate.
A major security incident unfolded in Britain on Sunday near the Royal Air Force base RAF Fairford, which is also used by the US Air Force. Police arrested five men on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack.
The incident began around 12:45 a.m. when police received reports of three suspicious vehicles that, according to initial information, were heading toward the base. Armed officers were dispatched to the scene and arrested five men in the Welford area.
Grounds for arrest
The men were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the UK's Explosives Act, but all five were later also arrested on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism. The case has been taken over by the national counter-terrorism police, and the circumstances of the incident are still being investigated.
Security measures
A 400-metre security cordon was set up around the suspicious vehicles, which are being examined by British Army explosive ordnance disposal specialists. As a precaution, around 85 nearby households were asked to evacuate. A temporary shelter was set up at a nearby leisure centre for residents unable to stay with relatives or friends.
Significance of RAF Fairford
RAF Fairford is not solely a British military facility — it is also used by the US Air Force and plays an important role in American military operations in Europe. US Air Force units are stationed there, and the base is also used for strategic bomber operations.
