British Police Stop Terror Plot Near U.S. Bomber Base
British authorities arrested five men near a U.S. bomber base, thwarting a suspected terror plot. U.S. officials praised the joint operation.
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British police have arrested five men near a U.S. military base in Gloucestershire, thwarting a suspected terror plot, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The suspects were detained in the nearby village of Whelford after being flagged for suspicious behavior near RAF Fairford, a key location for U.S. Air Force bombers.
Joint Investigation with U.S. Officials
The arrests came after police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles heading toward the base around 12:45 a.m. Armed officers responded, detaining the five men on suspicion of explosives offenses and later on terrorism charges. The operation led to the evacuation of approximately 85 households and the establishment of a 400-meter cordon around the vehicles while bomb disposal experts examined them.
U.S. officials praised the swift action by British authorities. President Donald Trump commended the joint effort, stating that the suspects had been under surveillance for a long time and were planning to cause significant damage. “The arrest in the UK was fantastic,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. had worked closely with British authorities to monitor the situation.
Security Measures and Community Impact
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of the Counter Terrorism Policing noted that the investigation is in its early stages and that the five men remain in custody. She emphasized the importance of working with Gloucestershire Police to ensure community safety.
Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone confirmed that emergency services had prepared for major incidents and that a cordon remained in place as a precaution. The public can expect to see emergency services in the area for some time.
U.S. Command Remains Vigilant
A spokesperson for the United States European Command stated that they are closely monitoring the situation with their UK counterparts, ensuring the safety of U.S. personnel and the local community. The spokesperson declined to discuss specific security measures, citing operational security reasons.
The New York Post reported that the suspects were stripped down after officers suspected they might be wearing suicide vests. Meanwhile, the Telegraph reported that authorities are investigating potential links to the Iranian regime, which had previously threatened to attack U.S. bases in Europe if tensions escalated.
Source: Daily Wire
