5 arrested over bomb plot near British air base used by U.S. bombers
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack near a British air base used by U.S. bombers, according to officials and local media. About 85 households have been advised to evacuate while military specialists examine three vehicles.
Police received a call at about 12:45 a.m. on Sunday about three suspicious vehicles traveling toward RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base in Gloucestershire in southwestern England. Armed officers responded and arrested the men in nearby Whelford, Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone of Gloucestershire Constabulary said.
The men were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses and subsequently on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack. All five remain in custody.
Officers established a 400-meter cordon, roughly a quarter of a mile, around the vehicles as the British Army’s bomb disposal unit began examining them. Residents of about 85 households within the affected area were advised to leave as a precaution.
Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said at a later briefing that the examinations are continuing and specialist counterterrorism police are leading the investigation.
Sky News reported that investigators are examining whether Iran is connected to a suspected bomb plot targeting the base, where U.S. bomber aircraft are located.
“We had them under investigation,” Trump told reporters. “They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.”
The exact circumstances remain unclear, including what the vehicles contained, how any alleged attack would have been carried out and how the threat was identified.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham thanked police, counterterrorism investigators and the armed forces, as well as residents who have been asked to leave their homes during the checks.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and I would urge people not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts,” Burnham said.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
