Trump says five suspects planning ‘big damage’ at US air base in UK nabbed

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Sunday, September 27, said that five suspects arrested near a British airbase had been planning to cause “big damage” at the facility, which has been used by the US military for operations against Iran.

British police arrested the five men earlier in the day after three suspicious vehicles were reported near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. 

Officers are investigating the incident after explosives-related materials were found in the vehicles.

Authorities are also examining whether there was any connection to Iran, although no link has been established so far.

Trump says suspects targeted US-linked UK airbase

Trump addressed the arrests while speaking to reporters at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, stating that US and British authorities had worked together in monitoring the suspects.

The president described the operation as a coordinated effort that resulted in the arrests before the men could reach the base.

“We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great,” Trump said.

The president also said that the suspects had been monitored for an extended period before they were detained. “We had them under view for a long time and we got them,” he added.

However, British media indicated that the police operation began after a member of the public contacted emergency services after noticing three suspicious vans near Whelford, a village close to RAF Fairford.

Gloucestershire police said the call was received at about 12:45 am on Sunday. Armed officers subsequently arrested five men in the area.

The men were initially arrested on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and were later additionally arrested on suspicion of preparing an act, according to British officials.

Trump also credited the UK authorities for doing an “amazing job” in responding to the incident.

Iran link probed after RAF Fairford arrests

Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the suspected plot, including whether Iran had any involvement.

The investigation comes after Iranian officials previously warned that British military bases used to support US operations against Iran could potentially become targets. 

Officials have not established a link between Iran and the five suspects so far, but investigators are continuing to examine possible motives.

The incident prompted a major emergency response in Whelford. Around 85 households were evacuated as a 400-meter cordon was established around the vehicles while bomb disposal teams examined them.

Residents were taken to a nearby leisure center as authorities assessed the suspected explosive devices.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the arrests as “deeply concerning” and said authorities would take steps to protect the public.