The US Embassy in the UK has issued new safety advice for Americans in Britain after police foiled a suspected terror plot at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, a base used by the US Air Force.
Five men were arrested in Whelford, near the base, at around 12:45am on Sunday (September 27). The group is believed to have been linked to Iran, as RAF Fairford has been used by US bombers to attack the country.
Embassy Safety Advisory
The embassy said in a statement: “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.”
Armed Response and Evacuations
The incident prompted a major armed response. A 400-metre cordon was put in place, and approximately 85 households were evacuated, with some residents taking shelter at Cirencester Leisure Centre. A cordon remained in place as three vans were examined by ordnance specialists.
President Trump Praises Police Work
The warning came hours after President Donald Trump praised the work of British police officers to foil the plot. He told reporters in Washington DC: “It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job.”
“We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.”
“It may have been Scotland Yard, I don’t know. We worked with a lot of them. We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.”
Police Confirm Incident Contained
Gloucestershire Police temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth confirmed the incident is thought to be “contained”. She said in a Sunday evening press conference: “Again, I can't go into details, but I can give reassurance that we believe the matter to be contained and as a set of agencies working together across Gloucestershire, we are gathering and responding to local intelligence all the time.”
Other US Air Force bases in Britain have been placed on high alert. RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk confirmed it was on Charlie alert, the second-highest threat level issued by the US Department of Defence. RAF Fairford has been reported to be on the highest threat level, Delta.
