FIVE HELD ON TERRORISM SUSPICION NEAR UK BASE USED FOR US STRIKES ON IRAN AS TRUMP WARNS OF “BIG DAMAGE”

Five men are being held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after British authorities responded to three suspicious vehicles reportedly traveling toward RAF Fairford, a military base used by the United States for strikes against Iran.

The development represents a major escalation in the security incident that unfolded near the Gloucestershire air base early Sunday.

Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed that officers received a report at approximately 12:45 a.m. on September 27 concerning three suspicious vehicles apparently heading toward RAF Fairford.

Armed officers responded and arrested five men in the nearby Whelford area on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act.

The men were subsequently further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act under Section 5 of Britain's Terrorism Act.

All five remain in custody.

TRUMP SAYS SUSPECTS WANTED TO CAUSE “BIG DAMAGE”

US President Donald Trump later commented on the arrests, saying the suspects had been under investigation by British and American authorities.

Trump praised cooperation between the two countries and said the men had been looking to cause “big damage.”

“We had them under investigation,” Trump told reporters, according to Reuters.

Trump's comments indicate that authorities had been monitoring the suspects before Sunday's arrests, although British counterterrorism police have not publicly provided details about the length or nature of that surveillance.

THREE VEHICLES UNDER EXAMINATION

Authorities established a 400-meter security cordon around the suspicious vehicles.

An Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was deployed to examine them.

Police have not publicly confirmed what, if anything, has been discovered inside the vehicles.

Around 85 households in the Whelford area were advised to evacuate as a precaution while specialists carried out the examinations.

A nearby leisure center was opened for residents who could not stay with friends or relatives.

Police say they believe the incident has been contained.

RAF FAIRFORD HAS BEEN USED FOR US OPERATIONS AGAINST IRAN

RAF Fairford hosts US Air Force personnel and has become particularly sensitive because of its role in American military operations involving Iran.

The British government authorized the United States to use bombers operating from Fairford for strikes against Iranian missile sites targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

That connection has placed the Gloucestershire base at the center of heightened security concerns.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps previously warned Britain against allowing American bombers to operate from Fairford, saying bases used to launch attacks against Iran could be considered legitimate targets.

That previous warning is part of the security context surrounding the base, but it does not establish Iranian involvement in Sunday's suspected plot.

IRANIAN CONNECTION BEING EXAMINED BUT NOT CONFIRMED

Reuters reports that a source familiar with the investigation said an Iranian-linked motive is currently considered the most likely possibility.

According to the report, investigators are also examining other possibilities, including a potential Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot.

British police, however, have not publicly identified a motive.

They have also not publicly said who they believe may have directed or supported the suspects.

Any claim that Iran, Russia or another organization was responsible would therefore go beyond what investigators have officially established.

Counter Terrorism Policing says the investigation remains at an early stage.

SECURITY TIGHTENED AT OTHER US-USED BASES

Security measures have also been strengthened at other British military installations used by American forces.

Reuters witnesses reported armored vehicles and military personnel positioned at the entrances to RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in eastern England.

The US Air Force declined to discuss specific security measures but said its UK-based units remained vigilant and would take appropriate action to protect American service members, civilians, contractors and their families.

The heightened precautions underline the seriousness with which authorities are treating the Fairford incident.

WHAT POLICE HAVE CONFIRMED

British authorities have so far established publicly that five men were arrested after a report concerning three suspicious vehicles traveling toward RAF Fairford.

The men were initially detained over suspected Explosives Act offenses and were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

Bomb-disposal specialists are examining the vehicles.

Around 85 households were evacuated.

The investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorism Policing.

What authorities have not yet publicly established is equally important.

Police have not announced the discovery of a bomb.

They have not publicly identified the suspects.

They have not established a motive publicly.

And they have not attributed the suspected plot to Iran, Russia or any other foreign government or organization.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said investigators are working with partner agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Evidence continues to be gathered from the scene while the five suspects remain in custody.

The incident has now moved beyond an explosives investigation into a suspected terrorism case.

But the central questions remain unanswered.

Investigators must determine what was inside the three vehicles, what the five men allegedly intended to do, whether anyone else was involved and whether the suspected activity was connected to a foreign state or another organization.

Until those questions are answered, authorities are treating RAF Fairford as the center of a major counterterrorism investigation while avoiding publicly assigning responsibility for the suspected plot.