- September 27, 2026
UK Police Probe Possible Iran Link To ‘Terror Plot’ Targeting RAF Fairford Housing US Troops
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However, investigators have not publicly established the origin or motive behind the alleged plot targeting the UK airbase used by the US military.
Police are pictured at a base set up at the Fairford Youth Football Club near RAF Fairford base, south-west England, on September 27, 2026. (AFP photo)
Amid the ongoing probe into a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford airbase in the United Kingdom, the British counter-terrorism police are also investigating whether Iran could be linked to the matter.
However, investigators have not publicly established the origin or motive behind the alleged plot targeting the UK airbase used by the US military.
Security sources cited by media reports said investigators were examining a possible Iranian connection, while other potential explanations, including Russian involvement or an Islamist motive, were also being considered, Reuters reported.
Five Arrested
Five men remain in custody following their arrest near the base in Gloucestershire. Police said officers responded at around 12:45 am after receiving a report about three suspicious vehicles apparently travelling towards the airbase. The suspects were initially arrested under the Explosives Act and were later held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.
“We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody,” Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans said in a statement. “As you would expect we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident,” Evans added.
The arrests triggered a major incident declaration and the evacuation of around 85 households in nearby Whelford. A 400-metre cordon was established around several vehicles while the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit examined them.
At A Glance
British counter-terrorism police are investigating a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford airbase.
Five men remain in custody following their arrest near the base in Gloucestershire.
Police responded at around 12:45 am after receiving a report about three suspicious vehicles.
The suspects were initially arrested under the Explosives Act and later for preparing a terrorist act.
US President Donald Trump hailed the arrests, claiming the men were planning a big plot.
Trump Hails Arrest Of Terror Suspects
Further, US President Donald Trump hailed the action taken against terror suspects in the United Kingdom as “fantastic”, claiming the five arrested men were planning a big plot against the UK base that houses American troops and aircraft.
“The arrest in the UK 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,” Trump said while on a visit to Chicago. “We had them under view for a long time, and we got them,” he added.
Why RAF Fairford Is In Focus
RAF Fairford has been used by US forces for operations against Iranian targets during the ongoing conflict. In July, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Britain against allowing US bombers to operate from the base, saying bases used to attack Iran could be considered legitimate targets. Authorities have urged the public not to speculate while the investigation continues.
Quick Answers
Ask News18UK counter-terrorism police are investigating a potential terror plot targeting RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which houses US troops and aircraft, after five men were arrested near the base.
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Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers politics and a wide range of hard news, with a keen interest in national and international d…Read More
London, United Kingdom (UK)
September 27, 2026, 22:43 IST
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