British counter-terrorism police are questioning five British men arrested near RAF Fairford in western England over suspected explosives and terrorism offences.
The arrests came after police received a report in the early hours of Sunday about three large white vans travelling towards the military airbase in Gloucestershire.
Police said the five suspects, all in their mid-20s and living in London, were initially arrested under the Explosives Act before being detained on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Counter Terrorism Policing said investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the suspects’ knowledge and possible motivation.
“At this time, we are working to establish the full circumstances of the activity of those arrested, their knowledge and any motivation behind this incident,” police said.
Police also urged caution over speculation about the possible motive.
“I am very aware of the levels of speculation about the motivation behind this incident, and the geopolitical questions that are being raised. However, I ask that at this time, Counter Terrorism Policing are given the space to work carefully and clearly.”
Possible Iranian Link Under Investigation
Reuters reported that an Iranian-linked motive was being considered the most likely possibility by a source familiar with the investigation.
The source said British authorities were also examining the possibility of a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot.
However, police have not publicly established a motive. Defence Minister Wes Streeting also declined to speculate while the investigation continues.
Security Operation at RAF Fairford
RAF Fairford has gained strategic importance after the British government authorised the United States to use bombers based there to strike Iranian missile sites involved in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had previously warned Britain against allowing US bombers to operate from the base, saying facilities used to launch attacks would be considered legitimate targets.
Following the arrests, police established a 400-metre cordon around the three vans while bomb disposal specialists examined them.
Residents of 85 nearby homes were evacuated as armed officers secured the area. Security was also increased at other US military bases in Britain, including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall.
A local farmer who alerted police after seeing what she described as “hooded and masked men” running into nearby fields said she believed her emergency call had helped prevent whatever action the group may have been planning.
US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been looking to do “big damage” and that British and US authorities had been investigating them.
British police, however, have not confirmed Trump’s description or publicly linked the suspects to any particular organisation.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being updated on the incident as the investigation continued.
No charges had been announced against the five men at the time of the latest police update.
