Five British Men Arrested Over Alleged Terror Plot Targeting RAF Fairford

Five men have been arrested over an alleged plot to attack RAF Fairford, a military base in western England used by US forces, Britain’s Counter Terrorism Policing said.

The suspects, all London residents aged between 23 and 25, were detained on Sunday in Whelford, near the Gloucestershire airbase. Police said they were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and were later detained on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act. Investigators said the men remain in custody while multiple lines of inquiry are being pursued, with no motive established so far.

Police have not publicly identified the suspects or disclosed details of items recovered from three white vans linked to the arrests. A bomb disposal robot was seen operating near the vehicles in woodland close to the base, while witnesses reported hearing what appeared to be controlled explosions. RAF Fairford is used by the US military and has been associated with the deployment of long-range American bombers.