Key facts
- Five men were arrested on terrorism charges near RAF Fairford, a UK base used by the US military.
- Explosives were found in three vans parked near the airbase.
- Investigators are examining the materials for improvised explosive devices.
- The arrests occurred amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with Iran having previously warned that bases used for aggression against its territory are legitimate targets.
- US President Donald Trump stated the suspects were looking to do 'big damage'.
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was updated on the incident and cancelled plans to protect people.
Counter-terrorism police are investigating a suspected bomb plot near RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by the US military for missions against Iran, after five men were arrested on terrorism charges. Armed officers discovered explosives in three vans parked close to the base in the early hours of Sunday, September 27, 2026. Investigators are examining the materials, which are believed to be consistent with improvised explosive devices.
The incident began when police received a 999 call from a local resident who spotted suspicious behaviour from the vans. This led to a response by armed officers who arrested five men on suspicion of explosives offences, later re-arresting them on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. The UK's threat level remains at severe.
Sources suggest investigators are considering an Iranian motive, given prior warnings from Tehran about the use of RAF Fairford for operations against Iran. However, other motives, including jihadist activity, are not being ruled out. The Guardian understands the operation was not intelligence-led, raising questions about the UK security services' prior awareness.
US President Donald Trump stated that the suspects had been under surveillance for a 'long time' and intended to cause 'big damage'. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was briefed on the situation and cancelled engagements to monitor developments. Residents in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated as a 400-meter cordon was established and bomb disposal robots examined the vans. A fuel company whose logo appeared on one of the vans has denied any connection to the incident.