Five individuals were arrested early on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack near a UK military base used by the US for airstrikes against Iran. Local police are investigating potential links to Iran.
According to reports from the Wall Street Journal and other outlets, police received a report around 12:45 a.m. about three suspicious vehicles passing near the RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire, located about 160 kilometers west of London. The vehicles were found in a nearby village less than 1.6 kilometers from the airbase, and local police initially arrested the suspects for violating explosives laws, later revealing they were also charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism. The Times reported that the five suspects were seen handcuffed and shirtless.
The base is home to the US Air Force's 501st Combat Support Wing and has been used as a staging ground for US airstrikes against Iran, a decision approved by former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Wall Street Journal noted that B-1 bombers, considered a strategic asset, have been seen loading munitions and fuel at the base. Following the incident, the US military raised the threat level at RAF Fairford to the highest level, 'Delta,' according to Sky News.
President Donald Trump described the suspects as individuals he had been monitoring for a long time during a press conference at an airport. He also praised the cooperation with the UK, calling it 'fantastic.' UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasized the country's commitment to security while urging caution against speculation until an official announcement is made.
However, the attempted attack has caused distress among local residents. According to local police, 85 households were evacuated, and bomb disposal robots were deployed to the scene. Most residents sought refuge with friends or family nearby, while about 20 individuals who could not find shelter were taken to a local community center, as reported by Sky News.
The Financial Times stated that the motive behind the incident remains unclear, noting that in recent years, individuals involved in 'hybrid warfare' attacks targeting the UK, supported by adversaries like Russia and Iran, have been arrested multiple times. Sky News reported that UK counter-terrorism authorities are investigating the potential Iranian connection in this case.
This terrorist plot comes amid President Trump's public rejection of Iran's 'seven-day ceasefire proposal.' Earlier this summer, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that if the UK allowed airstrikes against Iran from its territory, it would face corresponding consequences.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.