Police detained five individuals on Sunday morning near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after receiving a report at 12:45 a.m. about three suspicious vehicles heading toward the base. Armed officers stopped the cars close to the village of Whelford and took the occupants into custody on suspicion of explosives-related offenses. The men remained in custody later that day as investigators worked to determine their intentions.

A 400-meter security perimeter was established around the vehicles, which were examined by Army bomb disposal units using a robotic device. Approximately 85 nearby households were evacuated as a precaution, with a local recreation center opened to accommodate displaced residents. Photographs published by several news outlets showed the robot inspecting white vans parked near the base entrance.

U.S. President Donald Trump referenced the arrests during a press briefing, stating the individuals had been under surveillance and were “looking to do big damage to our fort.” He credited British authorities for their role in the operation, saying they had been “viewed for a long time” before being apprehended. British police have not confirmed whether RAF Fairford was the intended target, and no official link has been made between the incident and Iran.

RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force installation used by U.S. long-range bombers, has served as a staging point for military operations in the Middle East. The base has been associated with recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian positions, actions that Iran has condemned and described as provocative. British officials have characterized those strikes as defensive and lawful under international norms.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged restraint in public speculation, emphasizing that the investigation was ongoing and that authorities were working to establish the full context of the arrests. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting echoed the sentiment, stating that emergency response teams were operating as expected and that the situation was contained.

Gloucestershire Police confirmed they were conducting a counterterrorism investigation in coordination with national authorities. The U.S. Air Force acknowledged awareness of the incident but declined to comment on specific security protocols, citing operational sensitivities. The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting personnel and facilities under its jurisdiction.

The evacuations and security measures were lifted gradually as bomb disposal teams completed their assessment. By late afternoon, most residents had been allowed to return to their homes, though some remained in temporary shelter as a precaution. Local officials described the events as “worrying” but emphasized that there was no immediate threat to public safety.

No group or nation has claimed responsibility for the incident, and no charges have been filed against the detained individuals as of the latest reports.