5 men arrested near a U.K. air base used by U.S. forces on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act

Updated on: September 27, 2026 / 3:21 PM EDT / CBS News

5 men arrested near a U.K. air base used by U.S. forces on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act

TL;DR

  • Five men arrested in Whelford, near RAF Fairford, on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
  • The arrests followed reports of suspicious vehicles traveling toward the air base.
  • About 85 households were evacuated as a precaution.
  • A bomb disposal team was deployed to examine vehicles.
  • Authorities are investigating a potential link to Iran, as the base has been used by the U.S. to strike Iranian missile sites.
  • President Trump confirmed U.S. involvement in monitoring and apprehending the suspects.