Trump Claims Terror Suspects at UK Air Base Aimed 'Big Damage' at US Forces

Former President Donald Trump stated that five men arrested over a foiled terror attack at RAF Fairford were 'looking to do big damage' to U.S. forces and had been under surveillance for an extended period.

"It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job. We had them under investigation," Trump told reporters in Illinois. "They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great." He added, "We had them under view for a long time, and we got them."

British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged Trump's remarks, noting it was his first experience responding to the former president live. Streeting confirmed that the UK had been working closely with its American counterparts and had spoken with U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth.

Incident Details

The arrests occurred early in the morning near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The suspects were reportedly seen by a local resident acting suspiciously near three white vans close to the air base perimeter. The vans were later found to contain viable incendiary devices and chemicals. Police arrested five men on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act and offenses under the Explosives Act.

Footage from the scene showed the men, shirtless and handcuffed, sitting on the road, suggesting officers may have suspected they were wearing suicide vests. A bomb disposal robot was deployed to examine the three vans, two of which had their rear doors open, revealing large black barrels.

Approximately 85 homes in the vicinity were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Residents were taken to a nearby leisure center. Gloucestershire Constabulary stated that a cordon was in place but reassured the public that the incident was believed to be contained.

RAF Fairford's Role

RAF Fairford, located in Gloucestershire, serves as the U.S. Air Force's command outpost for operations in Europe. The base has been utilized for American strikes on Iranian missile sites. In July, Iran's Revolutionary Guard issued a warning to Britain against allowing U.S. bombers to operate from the base.

The arrests are not believed to be part of a previously known plot, indicating police were unaware of the specific plan before the incident. Security measures have reportedly been heightened at other U.S. bases in the UK, with RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk placed on a heightened threat level.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged the public not to speculate about the incident, stating that the safety and security of the public were the utmost priority and that all necessary steps would be taken to protect communities. He thanked the police, Counter Terrorism Policing, and the Armed Forces for their swift response.

In June, the U.S. government announced plans to spend approximately $500 million on expansion and military infrastructure at RAF Fairford. The Royal International Air Tattoo, scheduled for July, was previously canceled due to the "escalating geopolitical situation in the Middle East" and the need for the base to maintain operational readiness.