5 Men Arrested Near RAF Fairford in UK Counter-Terror Probe

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences after a major incident was declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, according to the BBC. Bomb disposal teams spent Sunday examining vehicles near the base while dozens of nearby homes were evacuated.

What happened near RAF Fairford?

Gloucestershire Police said they received a call at 00:45 BST on Sunday reporting three suspicious vehicles travelling toward RAF Fairford. Officers arrested five men near Whelford, a village about two miles southeast of the base, the BBC reported. A bomb disposal team was sent to the village to examine several vehicles, and a 400-meter cordon was put in place around them. Aerial footage showed a remote-controlled robot approaching two stationary white vans in a wooded area, though police have not confirmed the robot's use, according to the outlet.

Where is RAF Fairford located?

The base sits in the Cotswolds, roughly four miles south of the town of Fairford along the River Coln. RAF Fairford has long hosted American military aircraft and was recently used as a staging post for U.S. warplanes conducting defensive strikes on Iran, per the BBC.

Who are the five men arrested?

The men were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, the BBC reported. None have been named, and police have not disclosed where they are being held. Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth told a Sunday evening news conference that she believed the matter was "contained" when asked whether police were seeking additional suspects.

By the numbers:

• 400 meters — radius of the police cordon around the examined vehicles
• 14 days — maximum period suspects can be held without charge under terrorism powers, compared with 24 hours for standard arrests
• 4 miles — distance from RAF Fairford to the town of Fairford
• 00:45 BST — time police received the initial call about the vehicles

Why is the US military involved?

Because American aircraft operate from RAF Fairford, U.S. forces issued a statement saying they are "working closely" with UK counterparts "to monitor this situation, minimise impacts and ensure the safety of US personnel, their families, and the local community," according to the BBC. President Donald Trump said those arrested were "looking to do big damage," adding, "We had them under view for a long time, and we got them," the outlet reported.

What happens next in the investigation?

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is leading the probe, and Blyth said she would defer to CTP on any formal declaration of a terrorist incident. She said Gloucestershire Police would continue assisting CTP and liaising with national partners, with a large emergency-service presence expected to remain in the area for several days, per the BBC.

What legal terms are used in the case?

• Explosives Act — UK legislation covering the unlawful possession or use of explosive substances.
• Terrorism Act 2000 — Law allowing UK police to detain terrorism suspects up to 14 days without charge, far longer than the standard 24-hour limit.
• Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) — A national network of UK police units that leads investigations into suspected terrorist activity.