British authorities are investigating a possible connection to Iran after five men were arrested near a U.S.-operated air base in England on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack.
Police were alerted shortly after midnight Sunday to three suspicious vehicles traveling toward RAF Fairford in southwestern England. Armed officers responded, leading to the arrests of five men who are now being held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Investigators are examining whether the suspected plot has ties to Iran, raising concerns because of RAF Fairford's role in recent U.S. military operations.
The base is owned by the United Kingdom but is operated by the United States and has been used by American bombers involved in strikes against Iranian missile sites during the war.
Iran has previously warned that military bases used to launch attacks against the country could themselves become targets.
President Donald Trump said Sunday that authorities had been watching the suspects for some time and praised cooperation between American and British officials.
“The arrest in the U.K. was fantastic, working with Britain. It was an amazing job,” Trump told reporters. “We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort.”
Trump said the suspects had been under surveillance for an extended period before authorities moved in.
“We had them under view for a long time, and we got them,” Trump said.
Security tightened around RAF Fairford
Security surrounding RAF Fairford had already increased before Sunday's arrests.
A local resident told Reuters that the area had seen additional roadblocks and armed police in recent days, suggesting authorities were taking additional precautions around the installation.
The arrests are likely to bring even more attention to security at military facilities across Europe, particularly bases connected to U.S. operations against Iran.
American military officials said personnel stationed at Fairford “remain vigilant.” U.S. European Command also said appropriate measures will be taken to protect personnel at the base.
Authorities have not publicly established that Iran was behind the suspected plot, and the investigation into any potential connection remains ongoing.
