Five men arrested near RAF Fairford air base in Gloucestershire, UK, are suspected of preparing a terrorist act linked to Iran, according to British and US authorities. The incident involved three suspicious vehicles and prompted a major security response including evacuations and bomb disposal operations.
The arrests followed a tip-off from a local farmer who reported seeing hooded and masked men near the base. British police and US military forces collaborated in the investigation, with officials confirming the incident was contained and no immediate threat to the air base or its personnel.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive behind the suspected plot, though Iranian-linked activity is under consideration. The incident has raised concerns about security at the base, which is used by the US military for operations against Iran, and has led to heightened vigilance at other US military installations in the UK.
A local resident claimed she was 'staggered' to be the one who reported the suspicious activity, suggesting security services may have failed to monitor the area effectively. The incident has prompted ongoing investigations and heightened security measures around the air base and its surrounding areas.