Five arrested in anti-terror operation near RAF Fairford

On the morning of September 27, 2026, British authorities declared a major incident in Whelford, near the RAF Fairford air base in Gloucestershire, after police intercepted three suspicious vehicles. Counter-terrorism units arrested five men on suspicion of terrorism offenses and violations of explosives legislation. The operation led to the evacuation of approximately 85 households to a local community center, while military explosive ordnance disposal teams secured the area by establishing a 400-meter exclusion zone around the vehicles.

U.S. President Donald Trump later stated that the five individuals were under long-term surveillance by American and British agencies and were planning to cause "great damage" to the military facility, which has been used in previous operations against Iran. While the investigation remains ongoing, there is no official confirmation linking the suspects to any specific organization. Some reports suggest witness claims that more than five people may have been involved in the initial activity near the base, though authorities have confirmed five arrests thus far.