Five men arrested near UK RAF base over suspected explosives plot. US and UK authorities say the men were under investigation for planning to cause 'big damage' to a US military base used for attacks on Iranian targets.
The arrests came after police received a call about three suspicious vehicles heading towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Five men were detained and later charged with preparing a terrorist act. An Iranian-linked motive is considered the most likely, though other possibilities are also under investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about security at the base, which hosts US bombers targeting Iranian missile sites in the Strait of Hormuz. British and US officials have expressed cooperation in the investigation, with both nations emphasizing the importance of maintaining security at the facility.
A local resident reported seeing suspicious behavior late at night, leading to the call that prompted the police response. The incident has prompted increased security measures at other US military bases in the UK, with armed officers and armored vehicles deployed at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall.