UK security forces have arrested five suspects near the Royal Air Force base at Fairford following reports from local residents regarding suspicious commercial vehicles in the area. According to reports, the investigation has been transferred to the Counter-Terrorism unit, which is examining, among other possibilities, potential Iranian involvement in the plot. The base is utilized by the US Air Force for operational activities and has previously been used for missions against targets in Iran.
During searches of the suspects' vehicles, active incendiary devices and chemical substances were discovered, requiring the intervention of explosives ordnance disposal teams. Published footage showed the suspects being handcuffed and led away by police; according to British media reports, they were stripped due to fears they might be wearing suicide vests.
US President Donald Trump addressed the incident and praised the cooperation between the nations, noting that the detainees had planned to cause significant damage to the base. However, there remains operational ambiguity, as while Trump claimed a prolonged surveillance operation had been underway, local British sources reported that the police action began in response to a civilian tip regarding suspicious vehicles. In the background, Iran has previously threatened that bases used for strikes on its territory are legitimate targets.
Following the incident, the alert level was reportedly raised at RAF Fairford and other American installations in the UK, alongside increased security measures including road closures and a bolstered security presence. The US military spokesperson stated they are taking necessary steps to protect personnel, without detailing specific measures. The investigation is ongoing, and UK law enforcement authorities are still assessing the extent of foreign involvement in the uncovered plot.