> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theglobalvoice.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Five Arrested Over Suspected Terror Plot Near US-Used RAF Base - URL: https://www.theglobalvoice.com/five-arrested-over-suspected-terror-plot-near-us-used-raf-base/ - Published: 2026-09-28T07:37:30.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-28T07:37:30.000Z - Description: Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after three suspicious vans were reported travelling towards RAF Fairford, a British base used by US bombers. Police are examining possible explosives, but no motive or foreign link has been established. - Author: TGV Desk - Tags: United Kingdom, Terror Attack, europe, The Day So Far, War, Live Wire, has-audio British counter-terrorism police have arrested five men on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack after three suspicious vehicles were reported travelling towards [RAF Fairford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF%5FFairford?ref=theglobalvoice.com), an air base used by the United States military. Police received an emergency call at approximately 12.45 am on Sunday concerning three vans moving towards the base in Gloucestershire, southwestern England. Armed officers stopped the vehicles in the nearby village of Whelford and detained the five men. The suspects were initially arrested under the [Explosives Act](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/38-39/17/contents?ref=theglobalvoice.com). They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under [Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 ](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/11/section/5?ref=theglobalvoice.com)and remained in police custody as investigators examined the vehicles and their contents. > 🇬🇧 UPDATE — Five men arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorism after three vans approached RAF Fairford > > Gloucestershire Police say they responded in the early hours of Sunday, Sept. 27, to reports of three suspicious vehicles moving toward RAF Fairford, the UK base used by US… [pic.twitter.com/NhmfznO2ej](https://t.co/NhmfznO2ej?ref=theglobalvoice.com) > > — 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant\_x) [September 27, 2026](https://x.com/theinformant%5Fx/status/2104210810977333429?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=theglobalvoice.com) Army explosive-ordnance specialists deployed robots to inspect the vans. Police established a 400-metre security cordon and advised approximately 85 households in Whelford to evacuate as a precaution. A leisure centre in nearby Cirencester was opened to accommodate residents unable to stay elsewhere. Authorities have not released the names, ages or nationalities of the suspects. They have also not confirmed whether functioning explosive devices were recovered or revealed what investigators believe the men intended to target. One of the vans reportedly displayed the name of a fuel company, although the business said its branding had been used without permission and denied any involvement. Counter-terrorism officers are examining the possibility that the vehicles had been disguised to approach the military installation without attracting attention. Police are also investigating whether the suspected plot involved assistance from a foreign government. Iran is reportedly among the possible lines of inquiry because RAF Fairford has been used by American aircraft involved in operations against Iranian military sites. However, no Iranian connection has been established, and investigators said they were not ruling out other possible motives. [US President Donald Trump claimed that American and British authorities had monitored the suspects before the arrests and said the men had been preparing to cause “big damage”](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog%5Fentry/trump-says-uk-terror-suspects-wanted-to-do-big-damage-to-airbase-used-by-us/?ref=theglobalvoice.com). British reporting, however, has indicated that the operation began after a member of the public noticed suspicious activity and called the emergency services. Police have not confirmed Trump’s account. --- RAF Fairford has one of the longest and strongest runways in Britain and can accommodate heavy aircraft including the B-1B Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress. Although it is a Royal Air Force station, it regularly hosts US Air Force personnel and long-range bombers. The base has supported American operations in the Gulf War, the NATO campaign in Yugoslavia, the Iraq War and more recent missions involving Iran. The British government authorised the United States to use bases in the country for limited operations against Iranian missile sites earlier this year. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps subsequently warned that military facilities used for attacks on Iranian territory could be treated as legitimate targets. That warning has added urgency to the investigation, but it does not establish responsibility for the suspected plot. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as deeply concerning and said the government would take all necessary measures to protect the public. The US embassy also issued a security alert reminding American citizens that US-linked facilities could face heightened risks. The investigation remains at an early stage. The arrests show that police suspect preparations for an attack, but no charges have been filed and no organisation or country has been formally connected to the incident.