Five Arrested Near US-Used RAF Fairford in UK Terror Probe

Five Arrested Near US-Used RAF Fairford in UK Terror Probe

British police have arrested five men near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire over suspected explosives offences, with the suspects subsequently detained on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

The arrests followed a report at about 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, concerning three suspicious vehicles that appeared to be travelling towards the air base. Armed officers responded and arrested the five men in the nearby Whelford area.

According to Counter Terrorism Policing, the men were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act. All five remained in custody as investigators continued gathering evidence.

The incident prompted authorities to declare a major incident, with about 85 households evacuated from Whelford as a precaution.

The evacuated residents were taken to a nearby leisure centre while police established a cordon around the vehicles. The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was deployed to examine the vehicles and assess any potential threat.

Counter Terrorism Policing said the investigation was still in its early stages and that officers were working with Gloucestershire Police and other agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police have not publicly confirmed that an attack on RAF Fairford was planned or that the suspects had entered the military installation. Investigators are examining why the vehicles were in the area and what materials, if any, were associated with them.

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The investigation is particularly significant because RAF Fairford is a British military air base used by the United States Air Force. The installation hosts US military personnel and has been used by American aircraft during operations connected with the conflict involving Iran.

The US Air Force said its personnel at Fairford remained vigilant but declined to disclose specific force-protection measures for operational security reasons.

The security operation involved armed police, roadblocks and specialist bomb-disposal personnel. A 400-metre cordon was established around the vehicles while the evacuation was carried out.

Investigators are expected to examine the vehicles, materials and other evidence recovered during the operation as they seek to establish whether there was a planned attack and, if so, its intended target and motive.

The arrests have drawn additional attention because of heightened security around US military installations in Britain. RAF Fairford has become strategically important because of its use by US forces during the conflict involving Iran.

However, British authorities have not publicly linked the five suspects to Iran, any other state or a particular extremist organisation. Any claims about their motive or intended target remain subject to investigation.

The US military has said it remains in close coordination with British authorities and continues to take appropriate measures to protect its personnel and facilities.

British officials have said the incident is believed to be contained, although a substantial security presence is expected to remain in the area while investigators complete their work.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the UK Counter Terrorism Policing senior national coordinator, said investigators were still working to establish what happened.

The five men remain in custody and have not been convicted of any offence. The allegations against them will have to be tested through the British legal process as the UK counter-terrorism investigation continues.

Five Arrested Near US-Used RAF Fairford in UK Terror Probe