Five men have been arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after what is believed to be a terror plot linked to Iran was foiled on Sunday morning, September 27. The base is used by the US Air Force for combat operations in Iran.
Gloucestershire Police made the arrests early on Sunday morning. A 400-metre cordon was put in place around the site, and scores of people were evacuated overnight. The cordon was still in place on Sunday evening as three vans were examined by ordnance specialists.
US embassy issues safety advice
The US embassy for the UK has issued new safety advice for Americans in Britain. In a statement, the embassy 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.”
Trump praises British police
The warning came hours after US President Donald Trump praised the work of British police officers to foil the plot. The President said those involved wanted to do ‘big damage’.
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.”
Threat levels raised at US bases
Gloucestershire Police temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth confirmed the incident is thought to be “contained”, with agencies collaborating and responding to local intelligence.
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 that can be issued by the US Department of Defence. The confirmation to PA came amid reports that RAF Fairford has been raised to the highest threat level, Delta.
