5 arrested over suspected terror, explosives offences near UK airbase used by US

British police have arrested five men on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and offences under the Explosives Act near RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by the US Air Force to launch strikes against Iran. The arrests were made early Sunday in the Whelford area of Gloucestershire after police received a tip-off about three suspicious vehicles that appeared to be travelling towards the airbase. Counter Terrorism Policing said armed officers responded and detained the five men.

A major incident was declared in the area, with about 85 households evacuated as Army explosive ordnance specialists examined vehicles linked to the incident. Police have established a 400-metre cordon around the vehicles while the examination continues.

FIVE MEN REMAIN IN CUSTODY

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of Counter Terrorism Policing said investigators were still working to establish exactly what had happened.

"We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody," Evans said. She said counter-terrorism officers were "working closely" with partner agencies to "understand the circumstances of the incident".

"We continue to work with Gloucestershire Police to keep the community safe as we work to gather evidence from the scene," she added.

Evans confirmed that the 400-metre cordon remained around the vehicles while the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit carried out examinations. She also said about 85 households had been evacuated as a precaution.

The arrests were initially announced by Gloucestershire Police as an explosives-related investigation. Counter Terrorism Policing later confirmed that the five men had also been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

Police have not released the identities or nationalities of the men.

RESIDENTS EVACUATED AS BOMB EXPERTS SEARCH VEHICLES

The incident has disrupted life in Whelford, a village close to RAF Fairford. Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said the cordon remained in place "as a precaution" and warned residents to expect a continued emergency-services presence in the area.

"The emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents," he said.

A nearby leisure centre was opened for residents who had been evacuated and could not stay with friends or relatives.

Ocone said police were "working as quickly as possible" to allow residents to return home.

"We'd like to thank the residents who have left their homes this morning for their understanding and support," he said.

"We would ask the public not to speculate but to follow official channels for updates," he added.

The police response included armed officers, ambulances and fire engines, while Army bomb-disposal specialists examined vehicles in the area. The authorities said they believed the incident was contained.

WHY RAF FAIRFORD MATTERS

The arrests have drawn particular attention because of the location.

RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force base in Gloucestershire that is used by the US Air Force. The base has been used by American bombers during the ongoing war with Iran, after Britain authorised US forces to operate from the facility for strikes against Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

That has made Fairford a sensitive military site amid the wider conflict in the Middle East.

The British government has previously faced warnings over the use of the base. In July, Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned Britain against allowing US bombers to fly from Fairford, saying bases involved in attacks could be considered legitimate targets.

British authorities responded at the time by saying the country's armed forces were prepared to protect the UK from attacks.

Security has also been increased at other British military facilities used by the US, including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, according to earlier media reports.

However, police have not said that the five men arrested on Sunday were acting on behalf of Iran or any other foreign government. Any connection between the arrests and the wider conflict remains a matter for investigators.

WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE ARRESTS?

According to Counter Terrorism Policing, officers were alerted at about 12.45 am (local time) on Sunday after receiving a call about three suspicious vehicles apparently travelling towards RAF Fairford.

Armed officers were sent to the Whelford area, where the five men were arrested.

The use of the Explosives Act reflects the immediate concern surrounding the vehicles, but police have yet to say what, if anything, was found inside them or whether explosives were actually present.

US AIR FORCE SAYS IT REMAINS VIGILANT

The US military has not disclosed details of its security arrangements at RAF Fairford.

A spokesperson for the US Air Force said the 501st Combat Support Wing and other US units based in Britain remained alert to potential threats.

"The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families," the spokesperson said, as per news agency Reuters

The spokesperson added that the US military routinely assesses security conditions and adjusts measures designed to protect its personnel and installations.