British police arrested five men on Sunday near the Royal Air Force Fairford base in Gloucestershire, England, on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses. The men, all British nationals from London and aged between 23 and 25, were detained in possession of three vans close to the airbase, which is a significant hub for U.S. Air Force operations in Europe.

RAF Fairford has frequently served as a key staging point for long-range U.S. Air Force operations, including those in the Middle East. The arrests occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, leading to a significant police response and the evacuation of approximately 85 homes in the nearby village of Whelford.

Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed on Monday that the arrested individuals are suspected of offenses under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act. Police stated they are actively working to determine the full circumstances, knowledge, and motivations behind the incident.

British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the need for discretion to avoid providing information to potential adversaries. He thanked the anonymous farmer who alerted authorities, noting that the tipster had only a "partial picture" of the situation. Streeting also declined to comment on the identities, aims, or motivations of the detained men, citing operational security.

The farmer who made the initial report told the BBC that she called police after encountering hooded and masked men with vans near the base. She expressed concern that the suspects had been able to get so close to the facility. Streeting addressed public frustration over the incomplete information, stating that protecting operational security was paramount.

U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the arrests, describing the operation as "fantastic" and a result of "amazing job" collaboration with Britain. Trump indicated that the suspects were intending to cause "big damage" to U.S. forces stationed at RAF Fairford.

The police cordon remained in place near the airbase on Monday as investigations continued. Officials have not released further details regarding the specifics of the alleged plot or any prior intelligence assessments.

The incident highlights ongoing security concerns and the collaborative efforts between U.S. and UK authorities in counter-terrorism operations, particularly around critical military infrastructure.