Five men arrested near RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by US forces to attack Iranian missile sites, are suspected of preparing a terrorist act. The arrests followed a tip-off about suspicious vehicles heading toward the base, with police confirming the incident is under control.
The suspects, detained in the early hours of Sunday, are under investigation by British and US authorities. A source familiar with the case suggests an Iranian-linked motive is the most likely, though Russian sabotage or an Islamist plot are also being considered.
British officials have heightened security around the base, with a 400-metre cordon in place and local residents evacuated. The incident follows recent warnings from Iran about the use of Fairford as a base for US attacks, with British ministers emphasizing the ongoing threat from Iranian proxies.
The US has increased security at other UK bases, with armed officers and armored vehicles deployed. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been updated on the incident, highlighting the concerns for local residents and the broader national security implications.