Five Men Detained Near U.S. Bombers' RAF Fairford, 85 Homes Evacuated

**# Five Men Arrested Near RAF Fairford Amid Suspicious Vehicle Alert**

Five men were taken into custody near RAF Fairford on Sunday morning after British counter‑terrorism police received reports of three suspicious vehicles heading toward the airfield. The suspects were cuffed in the village of Whelford early in the day, and authorities say they were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

President Donald Trump told reporters that “Working with Britain, it was an amazing job. We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.

We had them under view for a long time and we got them.” The statement came as Gloucestershire Police responded to the alerts in the early hours, .

BBC News aired aerial footage that showed a remote‑controlled bomb‑disposal robot operating near white vans parked in the area.

A local resident in Whelford said he was evacuated after a neighbor spotted the out‑of‑place vans, and Deputy Assistant Police Commissioner Vicki Evans told CBS News that almost 85 homes were evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

## Background & Context

RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base in Gloucestershire, has recently increased its security posture in light of heightened tensions with Iran. The airfield hosts U.S. Air Force heavy bombers that have conducted missions toward the Iranian region.

Reuters reports that the base has seen heightened vigilance in the days leading up to the arrests.

The British counter‑terrorism unit was alerted to the suspicious vehicles by Gloucestershire Police, who initially responded to the reports at dawn. The five men were identified and apprehended in Whelford, a village close to the airfield, after police traced the vehicles to the location.

Officials say the suspects were being investigated for potential terrorist activity aimed at damaging the U.S.‑operated facilities.

## Evacuation & Security Response

The evacuations in Whelford and surrounding areas were carried out swiftly to ensure public safety.

Deputy Assistant Police Commissioner Vicki Evans emphasized that the decision to clear about 85 homes was made “out of an abundance of caution.” The remote‑controlled bomb‑disposal robot seen on BBC footage was deployed to examine the white vans before they could be secured.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force confirmed that personnel stationed at RAF Fairford will “remain vigilant” following the arrests. The base’s heightened security measures, already in place, are expected to continue as investigations proceed.

Authorities have not released further details about the suspects’ identities or the specific nature of their alleged plot.

The situation remains under investigation, and no additional arrests have been announced at this time.