U.S. President Donald Trump has praised British authorities after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, over an alleged plot targeting the military airbase used by U.S. forces.
The arrests took place early Sunday after police received a report about three suspicious vehicles travelling toward the airbase. Armed officers subsequently detained five men in the nearby Whelford area. The suspects were initially arrested under the UK Explosives Act and were later held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. British authorities have not publicly released their names, nationalities or a confirmed motive.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the suspects had been under investigation and claimed they were planning to cause “big damage” at the U.S.-associated facility. He also praised cooperation between American and British authorities in the investigation.
RAF Fairford is a major U.S. military operating location in Britain and has been used by American long-range bomber aircraft. The base has gained additional attention amid the ongoing U.S. military operations involving Iran.
Following the arrests, authorities established a 400-metre exclusion zone around the vehicles while explosive ordnance disposal specialists examined them. Dozens of nearby households were also evacuated as a precaution. Police said the investigation remains in its early stages and that the five suspects remain in custody.
British counter-terrorism officials are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possible motive and any wider connections. No country or organisation has publicly claimed responsibility for the alleged plot.