Five Arrested Near U.S. Bomber Base in England
BASSETERRE — British counterterrorism police arrested five men on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses on Sunday near RAF Fairford, an air base in Gloucestershire, England, used by the United States for long-range bomber operations. Army bomb disposal specialists were called in, and dozens of nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution.
The five remain in police custody. Authorities said officers received information from residents shortly after midnight, and the men were arrested early Sunday. They were first arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses and were later further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Under British counterterrorism law, suspects can be held for up to 14 days before being charged.
Police have not identified the suspects or publicly disclosed a possible motive. Counter terrorism policing official Vicki Evans said investigators are in the early stages of the case and are working with partner agencies to determine the circumstances.
Gloucestershire Police said the Army’s explosive ordnance disposal unit was examining three vehicles near the village of Whelford. CNN reported that aerial footage appeared to show a bomb disposal robot operating near three white vans in woodland close to the base. CNN teams near the base also reported hearing what sounded like two controlled detonations from the direction of Whelford on Sunday evening.
The U.S. Embassy in London issued a security alert following the arrests, advising Americans in the United Kingdom to exercise caution and remain mindful of their personal security.
U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the operation Sunday. He praised cooperation between American and British authorities and claimed the suspects had been under investigation for some time. He also claimed the men had intended to cause significant damage. British authorities had not publicly provided details supporting that claim in the information available at the time.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine the vehicles and the area around RAF Fairford.
