Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after a major incident was declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Sunday — in what is being described as a foiled terror plot against the US Air Force base used in recent strikes on Iran.
What Happened
Gloucestershire Police received a 999 call at approximately 00:45 BST on Sunday, 27 September 2026, after a local resident spotted three suspicious vans travelling towards RAF Fairford. Armed officers responded swiftly, arresting five men near the village of Whelford — approximately two miles south-east of the airbase.
A bomb disposal team was deployed to examine the vehicles, with a 400-metre cordon placed around the area. Aerial images showed a remote-controlled Army robot approaching two stationary white vans in a wooded area. The Guardian reported that materials found in the vans appeared consistent with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Counter-Terrorism Police Take Over
The five men were initially detained under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is now leading the investigation. RAF Fairford was raised to its highest Delta threat level — indicating intelligence of an imminent attack — and the US Department of Defense also raised the threat level at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
Gloucestershire Constabulary’s temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth stated the matter was believed to be “contained” and that officers would maintain an enhanced presence in the local area over the coming days. Under the Terrorism Act 2000, suspects can be detained for up to 14 days without charge.
85 Homes Evacuated
Eighty-five households in Whelford were evacuated, with residents taken to Cirencester Leisure Centre. Cotswold District Council arranged overnight accommodation for those unable to stay with friends or family. Residents were told they would not be able to return home on Sunday night.
“We just had to throw our clothes on and come. We didn’t know anything,” one resident, Jo, told the BBC.
The 999 Call That Foiled the Plot
A local resident told the PA news agency she first tried calling MoD police when she spotted three vans blocking the road and “a large group of hooded and balaclava’d men.” When nobody answered, she dialled 999. “They would have seen the bright headlights. They probably thought we were the police and panicked,” she said. “It would appear that by doing so I just derailed whatever they were planning.”
Political Response and Iran Link Investigated
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the situation as “deeply concerning,” adding that the government would “always take every step necessary to protect people.” Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed he had been in contact with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth throughout the day.
US President Donald Trump said those arrested were “looking to do big damage” and had been under surveillance by British and US authorities. “We had them under view for a long time, and we got them,” he said.
Counter-terrorism investigators are examining whether the plot was linked to Iran, which previously warned the UK that any base used to launch strikes on Iranian targets would be considered a legitimate target. RAF Fairford has been used by US warplanes as a staging post for defensive strikes on Iran since March 2026. Russian sabotage and Islamist extremism are also being investigated as possible motivations, according to sources familiar with the inquiry.
About RAF Fairford
RAF Fairford is located in the Cotswolds, approximately four miles south of the town of Fairford. The base has a long history as a US Air Force forward operating location — used during the Cold War, the 1991 Gulf War, and the 2003 Iraq War. In April 2026 it was designated a protected site under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, making trespassing a criminal offence.
This is a developing story. The Cheltenham Times will update as more information becomes available.
Sources: BBC News, The Guardian, Gloucestershire Live, Reuters
