The US Embassy in the UK has urged American citizens to "exercise caution" following the attempted terrorist act near RAF Fairford, after five men were arrested in Gloucestershire. The embassy said it had been made "aware" of the arrests and advised US citizens to be mindful of personal security and follow local authorities' instructions.
US Embassy statement and background
In a statement, the agency said: "The US Embassy is aware of arrests on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near the Royal Air Force base in Fairford, UK. US citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and be mindful of personal security. US citizens are advised to follow instructions of local authorities for their personal safety and security."
RAF Fairford serves as the US Air Force's command outpost for operations from Europe and has been used for American strikes on Iranian missile sites that have been attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began in February. The base was also the subject of a warning from Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) in July, which cautioned Britain against allowing US bombers to fly from the base.
Trump praises UK police response
Donald Trump praised the UK police response, telling reporters in Illinois: "It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great." He added: "It may have been Scotland Yard, I don't know. We worked with a lot of them."
Arrests and security response
Police made arrests after discovering viable incendiary devices and chemicals inside a van parked near RAF Fairford. The arrests were not part of a pre-planned operation, indicating authorities had not been previously aware of the alleged plot. A local farmer alerted police via a 999 call at approximately 12.45am after spotting a group of hooded men wearing balaclavas near three white vans blocking a road. The men scattered into surrounding fields and towards the air base as the resident approached.
Armed police, Counter Terrorism officers and an Army explosive ordnance disposal team responded, and some 85 homes were evacuated as a precaution. A bomb disposal robot was deployed to inspect the vehicles, which contained large black barrels. Gloucestershire Police stated five men were detained, searched and taken into custody, confirming the incident is now contained. Counter Terrorism Policing has taken over the investigation.
Following the security response, threat levels were increased at US military installations in the UK. RAF Fairford was placed on Delta alert, the highest threat level used by the US Department of Defense, while RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk moved to Charlie alert, the second-highest level.
