LONDON — British counter-terrorism police arrested five men on suspicion of plotting a terrorist act near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Thursday, Sept. 27, after a local resident reported men acting suspiciously around three white vans.
The resident called 999 at 12:45 a.m. after attempts to reach the air base directly failed. Police footage showed the men handcuffed and sitting shirtless on the road, indicating officers considered the possibility of suicide vests.
Authorities found viable incendiary devices and chemicals inside one of the vans. The five men remain in custody facing charges related to preparation of a terrorist act and offenses under the Explosives Act.
RAF Fairford hosts U.S. Air Force operations across Europe. The base has been used for American airstrikes against Iranian missile sites that have targeted ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's new Guard issued a warning to Britain in July against allowing U.S. bombers to operate from the facility. B-1B Lancer bombers have been deployed from Fairford for strikes on Iran.
The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team deployed a bomb disposal robot that moved between the three vans, two of which had their rear doors open, revealing large black barrels inside.
Police said the arrests were not part of a pre-planned operation, indicating law enforcement was previously unaware of the alleged plot. Around 85 homes in the surrounding Cotswolds countryside were evacuated as armed police and the Special Air Service responded.
