# Suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/suspected-terror-plot-near-raf-fairford > Updated: 2026-09-29T04:43:48.000Z. Sources: 676. Developments: 5. British counter-terrorism police arrested five British men in their 20s following a major incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The investigation was triggered by reports of three suspicious white vans and a group of masked men moving toward the airbase, which is used by the United States military for strategic operations, including bombers used in operations against Iran. The suspects, London residents aged 23 to 25, were initially detained on suspicion of explosives-related offenses and later re-arrested for suspected preparation of a terrorist act. Although tests indicated that materials found in the vehicles were not viable explosives, described by investigators as ‘useless explosives’, the investigation remains ongoing. The five suspects have been released on strict bail subject to stringent movement and contact conditions. During the incident, 85 households in the nearby village of Welford were evacuated as a precaution. Authorities are exploring whether the individuals were acting as proxies for a foreign state or non-state militant groups. While investigators have looked into potential links to Iran, the Iranian Embassy in London has rejected any involvement, calling the claims ‘unfounded and malicious speculations.’ U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the decision to release the suspects on bail, stating, ‘I would not have done that,’ and claiming the suspects intended to cause ‘great damage.’ Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that a ‘foreign actor’ was clearly involved in the alleged plot, though he did not provide specific details. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has convened a COBRA meeting to manage the national emergency response. ## Claims - Gloucestershire Police declared a major incident in the village of Welford. (corroborated by 80 sources) - Police believe the incident is contained. (corroborated by 77 sources) - Five men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. (corroborated by 75 sources) - A specialist Army bomb disposal team is examining several vehicles in the area. (corroborated by 65 sources) - Residents in several homes near RAF Fairford were evacuated as a precaution. (corroborated by 59 sources) - Five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act. (corroborated by 49 sources) - The incident involved three suspicious vehicles traveling towards the RAF Fairford airfield. (corroborated by 37 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: UK police release men arrested near Welford military base Five men have been released on bail after being arrested near the Welford military base in the UK on suspicion of terrorism planning. Investigations into foreign involvement continue. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-police-release-men-arrested-near-welford-military-base ### 2026-09-28: UK military base arrests prompt investigation into foreign state involvement Five men were arrested near a UK military base used by the US Air Force. Authorities are investigating potential foreign state involvement, while Donald Trump criticized their release on bail. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-military-base-arrests-prompt-investigation-into-foreign-state-involvement ### 2026-09-28: UK Prime Minister convenes COBRA meeting over RAF Fairford terror suspects Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called an emergency COBRA meeting after five men were arrested for suspected terrorist activity near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-prime-minister-convenes-cobra-meeting-over-raf-fairford-terror-suspects ### 2026-09-28: RAF Fairford security incident leads to arrests of five British men Five British men were arrested and released on bail following a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford. Police are investigating potential foreign state involvement, while Iran denies any connection. 122 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/raf-fairford-five-arrested-in-suspected-terror-plot-against-us-base ### 2026-09-26: RAF Fairford: Five arrested in suspected terror plot near US-operated base Five British men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences near RAF Fairford, a US-operated airbase. Authorities evacuated 85 homes as counter-terrorism investigations continue. 627 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/raf-fairford-security-tightened-following-explosives-arrests --- Cite as: Suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/suspected-terror-plot-near-raf-fairford