Fairford, England – Police in the early hours of Sunday detained five men near the Royal Air Force Fairford base after a local farmer reported seeing a group of hooded, masked individuals running into the fields. Officers received a tip that three large white vans were heading toward the military airfield, prompting a rapid response.
Investigation and Motive
Detectives are treating the case as a terrorism investigation involving possible explosives. While the police have not publicly identified the suspects, a source familiar with the inquiry said an Iranian‑linked motive appears most likely, with Russian sabotage and Islamist plots also being examined.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the suspects were looking to cause “big damage” and confirmed that both British and American authorities have been monitoring the situation. Defence Minister Wes Streeting declined to speculate on motives, but warned that Iran and its proxies “hate our democracy” and regularly attempt to threaten British interests and allies.
Security Measures at the Base
Authorities have cordoned off a 400‑metre perimeter around RAF Fairford and evacuated residents from 85 homes. A bomb‑disposal robot was observed working around the three white vans, while armed police guarded the main entrance and large machinery blocked additional access points. Security has also been heightened at other U.S. installations across Britain.
The British government previously authorized the United States to use bombers stationed at Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been kept informed and cancelled attendance at two Labour Party conference events on Sunday due to the incident.
Background on Iran‑UK Tensions
In May, Britain sanctioned 12 individuals and entities linked to Iran for hostile activities, including plotting attacks and providing financial services to destabilising groups. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned in July that any base used to launch attacks would be a legitimate target.
Iran has repeatedly denied involvement in attacks or plots on British soil. The investigation remains ongoing, and British counter‑terrorism officials have not released further details about the suspects or any charges.
Community Impact
Residents near the base expressed concern over the heightened security presence but praised the swift police action. The farmer who alerted authorities said she acted out of a duty to protect her community.
Local officials continue to work with national security agencies to ensure the safety of Fairford’s citizens while the investigation proceeds.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
