Five men remain in custody after a counterterrorism operation near RAF Fairford in western England. Donald Trump says British and American authorities had been investigating the suspects and alleges they intended to cause serious damage at the strategically important air base.
By Open Chronicle with agencies | September 27, 2026
US President Donald Trump has said five men arrested near RAF Fairford in western England were allegedly planning to cause significant damage at the military facility, as British counterterrorism officers continue investigating suspected explosives offences and preparations for a terrorist act.
The arrests followed reports that three suspicious vans appeared to be travelling towards RAF Fairford, a British air base used by United States forces.
Trump said the suspects had been under investigation by British and American authorities before the arrests.
“Working with Britain, it was an amazing job,” Trump told reporters. “We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great and we got them.”
British police have not publicly confirmed Trump’s description of the alleged plan or announced what the suspects intended to target.
The five men remain in custody while investigators examine several possible lines of inquiry.
Armed police intercept suspicious vehicles
Counterterrorism detectives said authorities were alerted during the early hours of Sunday after receiving information concerning three vehicles apparently travelling towards RAF Fairford.
Armed officers responded and arrested five men in the nearby Whelford area.
The suspects were detained on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act.
Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans said investigators were still attempting to establish the full circumstances.
“We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody,” Evans said.
“As you would expect we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident.”
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspects or disclosed their nationalities.
Homes evacuated as bomb specialists examine vehicles
The security operation prompted significant disruption around Whelford.
Police established a 400 metre cordon around the vehicles while bomb disposal specialists conducted examinations.
Approximately 85 households were evacuated as a precaution.
The operation involved armed police and military explosive ordnance specialists, while authorities increased security around the strategically important military installation.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed what was discovered inside the vehicles or confirmed whether explosives were recovered.
Trump praises British and American cooperation
Trump’s comments introduced an important new element to the developing investigation by suggesting that British and American authorities had been monitoring the suspects before Sunday’s arrests.
His statement also indicated that US authorities may have been directly involved in the investigation before the vehicles were intercepted.
Trump described cooperation between the two countries as successful and said authorities had prevented what he characterised as an attempt to inflict substantial damage on the base.
British counterterrorism authorities have so far been more cautious in their public statements.
Police have confirmed the terrorism and explosives investigation but have not publicly described the suspected plan, identified a specific intended target or confirmed a motive.
Possible Iran connection among lines of inquiry
One of the most sensitive questions surrounding the investigation concerns whether the suspected plot had any connection to the wider conflict involving Iran.
A source familiar with the investigation said an Iranian linked motive was being considered as the most likely line of inquiry.
Investigators were also examining other possibilities, including potential Russian sabotage or an Islamist inspired plot.
No motive has been officially confirmed.
There is also no public confirmation from police that any of the five suspects were acting for Iran, Russia or another foreign government or organisation.
The different possibilities therefore remain investigative lines rather than established conclusions.
RAF Fairford has become increasingly sensitive
The location of the arrests has attracted considerable attention because of RAF Fairford’s role in American military operations.
The Gloucestershire base is operated by the Royal Air Force but is extensively used by the United States Air Force.
US forces have used Fairford during operations connected with the conflict against Iran, increasing the strategic importance of the facility.
That role has also made security surrounding the base particularly sensitive.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards previously warned that military bases used to launch attacks could be considered legitimate targets.
British authorities responded to earlier threats by stressing that the country was prepared to defend its territory and military infrastructure.
Sunday’s arrests have therefore occurred against a backdrop of heightened concern about potential threats to military installations connected with American operations.
Security increased at other US linked bases
Security measures were also increased at other British air bases associated with United States forces following the incident.
These included RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall.
Both facilities have significant American military connections and form part of the wider United States defence presence in Britain.
The additional precautions reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating the Fairford investigation, although officials have not announced evidence of separate threats against the other bases.
British government briefed
Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being briefed on developments surrounding the arrests.
He thanked police and the armed forces for their response and acknowledged that the incident would cause concern both within the local community and more widely across Britain.
The evacuation of homes and deployment of bomb disposal specialists have made the investigation particularly visible to residents around Fairford.
Authorities have urged the public to rely on official information while investigators continue gathering evidence.
US Air Force says personnel remain vigilant
The United States Air Force has declined to discuss specific security arrangements at RAF Fairford or other installations following the arrests.
A spokesperson said American units based in Britain remained alert to possible threats.
“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.
The statement reflects the broader security posture surrounding American military personnel and infrastructure in Britain following Sunday’s operation.
Motive remains unconfirmed
Despite Trump’s statement about the alleged intention to cause “big damage”, significant questions surrounding the case remain unanswered.
Police have not publicly identified the suspects, confirmed their nationalities or announced whether explosives or other potentially dangerous materials were discovered in the vehicles.
Investigators have also not established publicly whether the incident was connected with Iran, Russia, Islamist extremism or another motive.
Those distinctions will be critical as the investigation develops.
For now, the confirmed counterterrorism arrests, the evacuation of approximately 85 households, the deployment of bomb disposal specialists and increased security at other military installations underline the seriousness of the response.
The investigation is likely to focus on establishing what the suspects intended to do, whether RAF Fairford itself was the intended target, what the vehicles contained and whether anyone else was involved.
Until those questions are answered, authorities are treating the incident as an active counterterrorism investigation surrounding one of Britain’s most strategically sensitive military facilities.