Five British Nationals Arrested in Alleged Iran-Linked Terror Plot Targeting UK Air Base

Five British nationals, all in their 20s and from London, were arrested on suspicion of plotting a terror attack linked to Iran at the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Fairford, Gloucestershire. Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed the arrests, stating the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Sunday morning near the base, which is used by the U.S. Air Force.

The suspects, aged between 23 and 25, have been taken into custody and can be held for up to 14 days under UK anti-terrorism laws. Three are from Westminster, one from Camden, and one from Willesden, all London boroughs. Police stated the operation was complex and involved local and national agencies, the Ministry of Defence, and the MoD.

Counter Terrorism Policing's Senior National Coordinator, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed without speculation, acknowledging concerns about motivations and geopolitical questions but emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry. She also thanked emergency services and armed officers for their response.

Reports indicate the arrests followed a suspicious sighting by a local farmer who encountered three white vans blocking a road near the base. The farmer told reporters she called 999 after seeing masked men fleeing the scene. She expressed surprise that authorities had not detected the suspicious activity sooner, noting that she had attempted to contact the MoD police without success before calling emergency services.

Defense Secretary Wes Streeting praised the farmer's actions but stated she had a 'partial picture' of the events, declining to offer further details due to the ongoing investigation. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters, indicated that the group had been under surveillance, stating, "We know all about them. We caught them."

Sources suggest the arrested men may have been on a suicide mission and were allegedly targeting U.S. B-1 Lancer bombers stationed at Fairford. Security services remain on high alert amid fears of further attacks on UK soil. The village of Whelford, home to around 100 residents, experienced an evacuation of approximately 85 homes as police established a cordon around the vehicles. Residents described being woken by helicopters and police banging on their doors before being taken to a leisure center.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise motivations and any broader connections to Iran. Gloucestershire Police have indicated they are not currently searching for additional suspects in connection with this incident.