A late-night 999 call triggered a major security operation near RAF Fairford, leading to five arrests and the discovery of three suspicious vans.

A calm village close to RAF Fairford has recently been transformed into a security area following the discovery of three suspicious vans and arrests of five suspects in connection with a terrorism offense. The police received information at about 00:45 BST on Sunday when a local resident observed strange movements by three vans heading towards the base. The woman, who spoke to BBC Radio 4, said she had seen a number of people in hoods and masks and felt it necessary to ring 999.

Within minutes, armed officers arrived in the area and arrested five men near Whelford, Gloucestershire, England on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorist act. A specialized bomb squad in the army checked the vehicles, while a cordon of 400 meters was set up. It has also been reported that 85 families were relocated from the village near the scene.

US President Donald Trump has now commented on the arrests, saying the suspects had been under investigation by US and British authorities. He praised the cooperation between the two countries and said the men were allegedly looking to cause “big damage.”

Speaking to reporters Trump said, “We know all about them, and you'll be hearing about it very soon. We caught them.” He also described the cooperation with Britain as an “amazing job.”

Why is RAF Fairford at the center of the investigation?

The base has a long association with the US Air Force and has been used as a staging location for American military operations. Its long runway can accommodate heavy US bombers, making it an important facility for Washington's regional operations.

The investigation is now examining whether the incident had any connection to Iran. Earlier this year, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that bases used for attacks on Iranian territory could be considered targets. However, UK officials have stressed that it is too early to establish who, if anyone, was behind the suspected plot.

UK officials are keeping their statements cautious. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said it would be “far too early to comment or speculate” about possible Iranian involvement.

What happens next?

As Business Fortune observes Counter-terrorism officers will continue examining the evidence and questioning the five suspects. For nearby residents, the incident has brought a sudden reminder of the security pressures surrounding the airbase. The coming days could reveal whether the vans were part of a planned attack and whether any foreign connection existed.

RAF Fairford is likely to remain under heightened security as authorities assess the incident, protect surrounding communities and review security around strategically important military sites.

Sources: https://news.sky.com/video/vertical-video-short-trump-raf-arrests-latest-hub-001-13592607  https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c85ydnwqpzyzo  https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/27/arrests-suspected-terrorism-charges-explosives-found-near-raf-base-us

FAQs

What happened near RAF Fairford?

Five men were arrested after police responded to reports of three suspicious vans near the Gloucestershire airbase.

Why were residents evacuated?

Authorities evacuated 85 households while bomb disposal specialists examined the vehicles and secured the surrounding area.

Is Iran confirmed to be behind the incident?

No. Police are investigating a possible connection, but no Iranian involvement has been established.

Why is RAF Fairford important?

The base has a long history of supporting the US Air Force and can accommodate large military aircraft.

What happens to the five suspects?

They remain in custody while counter-terrorism police investigate suspected explosives and terrorism offences.