UK Police Arrest Five Suspects Near US Air Base Over Bomb Plot

British counter-terrorism police arrested five men early Sunday morning near the Royal Air Force Fairford base in Gloucestershire, a facility used by the U.S. Air Force. The men are suspected of planning an explosive attack against the base. Images from the scene, published by the Daily Mail, show the suspects sitting by the roadside, handcuffed and shirtless, a measure reportedly taken to check for explosive vests. The arrests occurred around 2:10 AM in the nearby village of Walford. Authorities reported that the suspects were found with three commercial vans believed to contain explosive devices. Police confirmed the arrests were related to explosives legislation offenses and that security at the base has been enhanced. RAF Fairford is a key European site for the U.S. Air Force's Global Strike Command. The base was previously used for U.S. airstrikes against Iranian missile sites during the recent war involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Following these operations, Iran's Revolutionary Guard had warned that any base used for attacks on Iran would be considered a legitimate target. Security around RAF Fairford has been significantly increased since the U.S.-Israel war against Iran began on February 28, with surrounding roads closed and camouflage netting installed on fences. The U.S. Air Force confirmed awareness of the events and stated a commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel and associated civilians. Reports suggest the base may have been placed on the highest U.S. defense threat level, 'Delta,' though this remains unconfirmed. Another U.S. base in Britain, RAF Lakenheath, was reportedly at a lower alert level, 'Charlie.'