Aerial images show white vans in a wooded area near RAF Fairford during the emergency response.
Counter-terror police are investigating suspicious vehicles near the Gloucestershire airbase, with five men in custody and residents facing a night away from home.
Five men have been arrested after police responded to reports of suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The men face suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act.
Police received a report about three suspicious vehicles at around 00:45 BST on Sunday.
The vehicles were reportedly travelling towards the airbase, which hosts United States Air Force operations.
Armed officers responded and arrested the five men in the nearby Whelford area.
Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation.
An Army explosive ordnance disposal team has also been examining three vehicles at the scene.
Major Incident Triggers Whelford Evacuation
Authorities established a 400-metre cordon around the affected area.
They also deployed specialist emergency teams, including a Hazardous Area Response Team.
Police evacuated residents from parts of Whelford as bomb disposal experts examined the vehicles.
About 85 households were affected by the evacuation.
Residents were taken to a nearby leisure centre while officers secured the area.
Gloucestershire police said they believed the incident was contained.
However, investigators continued to describe the operation as ongoing.
Residents Report Suspicious Activity
A local resident alerted police after noticing three vans and suspicious activity near the base.
She reportedly tried contacting Ministry of Defence police before calling 999.
The emergency call led armed officers to the area, according to reports.
Residents later described being woken by police and ordered to leave their homes.
Julian Tudsbery said officers arrived at his home early Sunday morning.
He said police told him to evacuate because of a major incident.
Other residents also reported seeing armed officers detaining men near the area.
Officials later told evacuated residents they could not return home on Sunday night.
Authorities arranged overnight accommodation for residents who could not stay with relatives or friends.
Bomb Disposal Team Examines Vehicles
Army specialists continued examining the three vans during the emergency operation.
Reports said investigators were assessing materials found inside the vehicles.
The Guardian reported that some materials appeared consistent with improvised explosive devices.
However, testing remained underway to determine whether any suspected devices were viable.
Police have not publicly confirmed the precise nature of the materials.
The five men initially faced explosives-related allegations before later facing suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Possible Iran Link Under Investigation
Counter-terrorism investigators are examining the circumstances behind the suspected plot.
Reports have raised the possibility of an Iranian connection because of RAF Fairford’s role.
The airbase has been used by US military aircraft during operations involving Iran.
However, authorities have not established an Iranian link to the arrests.
Investigators are considering the motive and any possible foreign involvement.
The reported Iran connection therefore remains part of the investigation rather than a confirmed finding.
US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been under observation for a long time.
He also claimed they intended to cause significant damage.
Police have not publicly confirmed those claims or provided details about prior surveillance.
RAF Fairford Remains Under Security Watch
RAF Fairford has a long-standing connection with the US Air Force.
The base has hosted American bombers and supported US military operations.
The incident comes amid heightened security around the facility.
The United States has also increased security measures at other military installations in Britain.
For now, the five suspects remain in custody as investigators examine the vehicles and establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests.
Authorities have urged the public to allow the investigation to continue while specialist teams work at the scene.
