Five Men Arrested Near UK Air Base; Trump Says They Sought 'Big Damage'

Politics60 sourcesSep 27, 2026

SplitFactual rigor 53/100

The Story

Donald Trump stated the five men arrested over a foiled terror attack at RAF Fairford were looking to do big damage to US forces.

He suggested authorities had the suspects under investigation and under view for a long time. British counterterrorism police are investigating after five men were arrested Sunday on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. Officers received a call around 12:45 a.m. local time about three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the base.

Vicki Evans, deputy assistant police commissioner and national coordinator for counter terrorism policing in the U.K., stated the investigation is in early stages and the men remain in custody. Police said viable incendiary devices and chemicals were found inside one of the vehicles. Around 85 households were evacuated as a precaution, and a bomb disposal team was on site examining vehicles in Whelford.

A 400-meter cordon was put in place around the three vehicles. RAF Fairford is a base used by American forces for strictly limited strikes during the war with Iran, under an agreement with the U.K. government. The U.K. government allowed the American military to use Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites after the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28.

The base hosts the U.S. Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and the 420th Air Base Squadron. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone of Gloucestershire Police said emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for major incidents and the situation appeared contained. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is receiving updates on the incident. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting thanked emergency and specialist teams, stating the situation is being dealt with.

A U.S. Air Force spokesperson said personnel at RAF Fairford remain vigilant but would not comment on specific force protection measures. Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned in July that any base used in strikes would be a legitimate target. The arrests are not believed to be part of a pre-planned operation, despite Trump's comments.

What they agree on

Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, on Sunday.
The arrests were made on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force base used by American forces for strikes during the war with Iran.
President Donald Trump stated the arrested men were "looking to do big damage" to US forces.
Around 85 households in the Whelford area were evacuated as a precaution, and a bomb disposal team examined suspicious vehicles.

Where they split

Donald Trump stated that the suspects were "under investigation" and "under view for a long time," while the Daily Mail reports the arrests are "not believed to be part of a pre-planned operation."
Some outlets, like the Washington Examiner, explicitly state that viable incendiary devices and chemicals were found in one of the vehicles, a detail not universally present in all reports.
Reuters and other US sources focus on Trump's statement about the suspects seeking "big damage," while some international sources like the Daily Mail also include comments from UK officials like Wes Streeting.
The New York Times and other US outlets emphasize the base's use by the U.S. for Iran strikes, while Breitbart News includes a quote from a U.S. Air Force spokesperson about assessing force protection measures.