5 arrested near British air base used by US in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act

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Sept. 27, 2026, 12:02 p.m. ET

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4 min read

U.K. police confirmed that five men were arrested late Sunday night near an air base utilized by the United States in its conflict against Iran, on suspicion of preparing a terrorist operation perceived to involve three trucks.

London’s Metropolitan Police, leading efforts against potential terrorism, announced that local authorities received a call at 12:45 a.m. regarding three suspicious vehicles observed traveling toward RAF Fairford, a U.K.-owned base operated by the U.S. under an agreement dating to the Cold War era.

Fairford serves as a launch point for American bomber squadrons conducting limited strikes against Iranian targets under an agreement negotiated with former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who publicly expressed dissent following the U.S. and Israeli bombardment of Iran starting on February 28.

Those apprehended initially faced charges under the Explosives Act in the Whelford district, bordering RAF Fairford, which houses the headquarters of the U.S. Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and the 420th Air Base Squadron.

Security cameras captured aerial footage suggesting a bomb disposal robot navigating among three white delivery trucks, where rear doors of two vehicles remained ajar and dark objects were spotted scattered across the scene. The machine appeared purposefully advancing toward accessing the third vehicle.

Police declined to disclose the nationalities of the individuals detained. Under the Terrorism Act 2000, suspects suspected of preparatory acts may be held without charge for up to 14 days—extending considerably beyond the standard 24‑hour restriction—for ordinary arrests without additional court review.

“The investigation remains in its early phase, and five men remain in custody,” stated Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter‑terrorism policing with the Met. “As expected, we are collaborating closely with partner agencies to identify the circumstances surrounding this event.”

Officers established a 400‑meter cordon encircling the three vehicles generating alarm while the Army conducted forensic examinations. As a precautionary measure, approximately 85 households were relocated, some transferred to a nearby recreation centre.

President Donald Trump publicly commended the operations team, praising their work to prevent significant harm to the nation. Speaking in Chicago, he declared, “This was an impressive achievement. We kept them under surveillance and ultimately identified them.”

Base Serves as Launchpoint for U.S. Strikes Against Iran

The installation permits American bombers to directly target Iranian missile facilities under mutually agreed terms. Current leadership indicates ongoing monitoring of developing conditions. Tehran has asserted that bombers operating from this base have executed strikes exceeding the agreed mandate, characterizing a facility engaged in attacks on sovereign Ukrainian territory as a legitimate destination.

British security entities caution that Iranian‑linked proxies have orchestrated a series of arson and sabotage incidents across the U.K. and other regions, frequently directed at Jewish communities. These officials warning that Tehran may broaden its targets within British borders should Middle Eastern hostilities persist.

These arrests occur amid elevated tensions regarding hostile state threats to Britain, encompassing Russia and Iran both employing proxy networks to perpetrate crimes on domestic soil. In March, officials reported a 50 percent increase over the previous six months in national security prosecutions linked to hostile actor activities, including groups aligned with Iran.

Evacuation Ensures Safety While Investigation Proceeds

The Gloucestershire police service characterized the incident as “contained” and advised residents to adhere to public safety guidance as investigations unfold.

Julian Tudsbery, a permanent resident of Whelford for three decades, recounted an initial report by a neighbor describing three suspicious vehicles in the village early Sunday morning.

“A resident alerted authorities about three unexpected vans present in the area,” the witness explained. “Multiple police officers arrived, three vehicles stationed in the driveway, and they emphasized the gravity of the situation, instructing citizens to evacuate due to a major security incident,” she added, declining further elaboration.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force reiterated that American and British personnel continue maintaining heightened vigilance and will implement suitable protective measures to safeguard personnel and associated family members at the installation.

“From an operational security standpoint, we cannot discuss specific protective protocols. We continuously evaluate various factors that dictate the deployment of defensive measures designed to protect our bases, personnel, and their families.”

Jill Lawless in Liverpool, England, and Ben Finley in Washington, D.C. contributed to this report.

This correspondent was reported by The Associated Press.

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