UK base hosting US bombers for Iran strikes targeted in suspected terror plot: Police

Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in southwest England on September 27 after police received a report about three suspicious vans heading toward the air base. The arrests came as the British base was hosting U.S. B-1B Lancer bombers that have been used in operations against Iran.

Armed British police stopped the men near the Gloucestershire airfield and detained them on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Explosive ordnance disposal teams were sent to inspect the vehicles, while authorities evacuated 85 homes in nearby Whelford as a precaution.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the suspects had been seeking to cause “big damage” and had been under investigation by British and U.S. authorities.

Police respond to suspicious vehicles

Counter Terrorism Policing said officers received a call at about 12:45 a.m. local time reporting three vehicles that appeared to be traveling toward RAF Fairford.

Five men were subsequently arrested by armed officers and remained in custody as investigators worked to establish what happened. Police said the incident was contained and placed a 400-meter (1,312-foot) cordon around the area.

“We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody,” Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans said.

“As you would expect, we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident.”

British Army bomb disposal teams examined the three vans. Video aired by British news outlets showed a robot and personnel inspecting white vans near the base perimeter.

Security tightened around RAF Fairford

The incident prompted a major security response around the airfield. Armed officers patrolled the area while roadblocks and heavy equipment were positioned near the base.

“The safety and security of the public is our first priority, and I want people to know that we will always take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep our country safe,” British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said in a statement.

Gloucestershire Police said the cordon was a precaution and warned residents that emergency services would remain in the area for some time.

“The emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents,” Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said. “A cordon is in place as a precaution, and the public can expect to see an emergency services presence in the area for some time.”

The base had already been operating under increased security for several days, according to people familiar with the matter.

Base hosts US B-1B bombers

RAF Fairford does not have permanently assigned U.S. Air Force aircraft. However, it supports American operations and has long served as a major U.S. bomber location in Europe.

About a dozen B-1Bs have been stationed there for around seven months. The aircraft were heavily involved in Operation Epic Fury, when the base hosted about two dozen B-1Bs and B-52 Stratofortresses during the U.S. air campaign against Iran.

Trump described the arrests as “fantastic” before departing on Air Force One on September 27.

“We had them under view for a long time, and we got them,” Trump said. “Working with Britain, it was an amazing job. We had them under investigation.”

The U.S. Air Force said it was working with British authorities to protect personnel and installations.

UK investigates suspected bomb plot

The U.K. government authorized U.S. strikes from RAF Fairford against Iranian missile sites earlier this year. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later warned that it considered the base a legitimate target, according to reports.

“The 501st Combat Support Wing and our other U.K.-based wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our U.S. service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” the Air Force spokesperson said.

“We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people, and their families.”

Another British base hosting U.S. aircraft is RAF Lakenheath, where F-35A Lightning II and F-15E Strike Eagle fighters are stationed. British and U.S. authorities said investigations into the Fairford incident remain ongoing.

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-base-target-of-suspected-bomb-plot