What we know about RAF Fairford incident and counter-terror probe
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In this article:
- Five men arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences after a major incident at RAF Fairford.
- Bomb disposal teams examining vehicles near the Gloucestershire airbase.
- Dozens of homes evacuated in the surrounding area.
What happened?
Gloucestershire Police received a call about "three suspicious vehicles" heading towards RAF Fairford at 00:45 BST on Sunday. Five men were subsequently arrested by police near Whelford, a village two miles southeast of the base. A bomb disposal team was deployed to examine several vehicles in the area, with a 400m cordon established.
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation
The operation, which was not intelligence-led, is being led by CTP. RAF Fairford, located in the Cotswolds, has a long history with American military forces and recently served as a staging post for US warplanes carrying out defensive strikes on Iran.
Suspects
Five men were initially detained under the Explosives Act and subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. They remain in custody and have not been named. Police believe the situation is "contained".
US President Donald Trump stated that those arrested were "looking to do big damage" and praised authorities for their efforts.