LONDON: The UK Security authorities have dismantled a major terror plot around the strategic RAF Fairford airbase, which is operated by the US. As per the latest developments in the investigation related to the suspicions of terror plot, five men have been arrested as security forces found explosives in three vans parked near the RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire. The incident has triggered a major operation and more than 85 households in the vicinity have been evacuated over safety concerns and bomb-disposal teams have been deployed.
Explosives found near the US operated base, have fuelled fresh speculations & tensions regarding the cascading effects of the West Asia conflict, as the US had warned to use the airbase against Iran.
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Five arrested after suspicious vans with explosives spotted near RAF Fairford
A major security operation unfolded near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire early September 27, Sunday after police received a report about three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the military airbase. Gloucestershire Police said they were alerted at around 00:45 BST on Sunday. Armed officers subsequently traced into the Whelford area, around two miles southeast of the airbase, where five men were arrested.
The suspects were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. All five remained in custody as Counter Terrorism Policing took over the investigation. Their identities and nationalities have not been publicly disclosed.
Authorities have not confirmed the nature, viability or intended target of any suspected explosive devices, and the investigation into the motive remains ongoing.
Bomb disposal teams examine three vans
The arrests triggered an extensive search operation in the Gloucestershire countryside. Bomb-disposal specialists were deployed to examine several vehicles, while a 400-metre cordon was established around them. Images from the scene showed a remotely operated bomb-disposal robot approaching two white vans in a wooded area. Authorities examined the vehicles and materials inside them.
Reports said investigators were initially examining materials that appeared consistent with Improvised Explosive Devices(IEDs). The operation prompted the evacuation of residents living near the scene. Around 85 households in Whelford were told to leave their homes and take shelter at a nearby leisure centre.
Many residents said that they were awakened during the early hours and given little time to collect their belongings. Some arrived at the evacuation centre still wearing night clothes, while others brought pets with them. Cotswold District Council said overnight accommodation would be arranged for residents who are unable to stay with family or friends.
Alert by villagers helped swift police response to foil terror plot
The circumstances surrounding the discovery of the suspects have drawn particular attention. A local farmer told that she returned home from a party late at night and encountered a road blocked by three white vans. She subsequently a large group of hooded and masked men.
Some of the men ran towards a field while others moved towards the neighbouring village of Kempsford. She first attempted to contact Ministry of Defence police at RAF Fairford but, after receiving no answer, called 999 at around 01:36 BST, the farmer further stated.
She also said to the private media platforms that the armed police arrived in the village within minutes. Police have not publicly attributed the arrests solely to the resident’s call and have continued to investigate the sequence of events.
RAF Fairford: UK airbase operated by the US
The incident has attracted heightened attention because of RAF Fairford’s role as a major US military operation facility. Situated in the Cotswolds, around four miles south of the town of Fairford, the base has a long association with the US Air Force. During the Cold War it was used by the US Strategic Air Command and subsequently supported US military operations during the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 Iraq War.
The airbase periodically hosts US long-range bombers, including B-52 aircraft, and has been used as a forward operating location for American military missions. Its significance has increased further amid the current conflict with Iran. The UK Government authorised the United States in March to use RAF Fairford for specific “defensive operations” against Iranian military capabilities.
US military monitoring situation; Counter Terrorism Police on high-alert
Following the suspected terror plot around its vital strategic airbase, The US military said that it was working closely with British authorities following the arrests. American officials said that they were monitoring the situation, seeking to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of US personnel, their families and the surrounding community.
The US Air Force also said that its personnel at RAF Fairford remained vigilant and that it continuously assessed security factors affecting its installations and personnel. US President Donald Trump described the arrests positively, saying the suspects had been seeking to cause significant damage and that authorities had been monitoring them.
The suspected terror plot has also raised questions over whether it could be connected to the broader tensions between the United States and Iran & a spill-over of the West Asia conflict. However, there is no official connection, evidence or confirmation established.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously warned that British military bases used to support operations against Iran could be considered as legitimate targets. But, British authorities have not confirmed Iranian involvement in the latest RAF Fairford terror plot incident.
Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation, with Gloucestershire Police continuing to assist and coordinate with national security partners. Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said the heightened emergency-services presence would remain in the area for several days. Authorities have indicated that the immediate situation is contained, but the investigation remains active.
