US Warns Americans in UK After Foiled Terror Plot Near Air Base
The US Embassy advised citizens to exercise caution following arrests near RAF Fairford, a key US military outpost.
The U.S. government has issued a warning for Americans in the United Kingdom to "exercise caution" following the arrests of five men suspected of plotting a terrorist attack near the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Fairford. The US Embassy in the UK stated it was "aware of arrests on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act" near the base, which serves as the US Air Force's command outpost for operations in Europe.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to "be mindful of personal security" and to "follow instructions of local authorities for their personal safety and security," according to the embassy's release. The arrests are not believed to have been part of a pre-planned operation that authorities were aware of. Instead, police were alerted by a local farmer who reported seeing five men, masked men of Middle Eastern appearance acting suspiciously near three white vans close to the air base perimeter.
The farmer alerted authorities around 12:45 a.m. after spotting the men, some wearing masks or balaclavas, scattering through fields and towards the air base. Police responded and found viable incendiary devices and chemicals inside one of the vans. Approximately 85 homes were evacuated in the surrounding Cotswolds countryside while bomb disposal teams searched the vehicles.
Gloucestershire Police confirmed the incident was believed to be "contained" and that agencies were working together to support the local community. The incident led to RAF Fairford being placed on Delta alert, the highest threat level used by the U.S. Department of Defense. Security has also been heightened at other U.S. bases in the UK, with reports of RAF Lakenheath being placed on Charlie alert, the second-highest threat level.
RAF Fairford has been a focal point for U.S. military operations in Europe, including being used for American strikes against targets in the Middle East. In July, Iran's Revolutionary Guard issued a warning to Britain against allowing U.S. bombers to fly from the base. The base has also been a site of increased U.S. military investment, with plans for significant expansion and infrastructure upgrades announced earlier in the year. The Royal International Air Tattoo, scheduled for the base in July, was canceled due to "escalating geopolitical situations" requiring "significant increase in real-world operational missions."