British police arrested five men on Sunday near RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base in Gloucestershire that has been used by U.S. forces. The arrests followed a report that three suspicious vans were heading toward the military airfield in the early hours of the day.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the men were held on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. Police also said a 400-meter cordon was put in place around the base while a bomb disposal unit examined the vehicles.
Local residents in 85 homes in a nearby village were evacuated, and armed officers patrolled the site. Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said a cordon was in place as a precaution and that the public could expect an emergency services presence in the area for some time.
Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said the investigation was in its early stages and that the five men remained in custody. She said police were working with partners to understand the circumstances of the incident.
The British government said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being updated. Burnham said the incident would be deeply concerning for local residents and thanked Gloucestershire Police, Counter Terrorism Policing and the armed forces for their response.
President Donald Trump called the arrests 'fantastic' and said the suspects had been under investigation by British and U.S. authorities. He said they were looking to do 'big damage' and added that British police did 'an amazing job.'
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson said the 501st Combat Support Wing and other UK-based wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of U.S. service members, civilians, contractors and their families. The spokesperson declined to discuss specific force protection measures.
Reuters witnesses said security was also increased at other U.S.-used bases in eastern England, including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, where armored vehicles and soldiers were seen at the gates.
Police have not said who they believe was involved in the incident. A source familiar with the investigation said an Iranian-linked motive is considered the most likely, while a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot are also being looked at.
The market lesson here is plain: when a base tied to U.S. power becomes a security flashpoint, taxpayer-funded defenses, emergency response and military readiness all move to the front of the line. Capital rewards clear rules, but it also punishes complacency. If governments cannot secure strategic assets, the bill lands on the taxpayer and the risk lands on everyone else.
