British police arrested five men early Sunday on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and offenses under the Explosives Act near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. The base serves as a forward operating location for US Global Strike Command and has hosted American B-1 bombers involved in strikes on Iranian targets.

Authorities responded to a call around 12:45 a.m. local time regarding three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the base. Armed officers made the arrests in the nearby village of Whelford. Counter-terrorism police later added the terrorism preparation charge.

A major incident was declared. Army bomb disposal units examined the vehicles within a 400-meter cordon. Approximately 85 households were evacuated as a precaution. Police described the incident as contained but said the investigation remains in early stages.

US President Donald Trump stated that the suspects had been under joint US-UK investigation for some time and were intent on causing significant damage. He called the arrests an "amazing job" achieved through close cooperation.

RAF Fairford, a UK-owned base with longstanding US operations, saw heightened security measures. A US Air Force spokesperson cited operational security reasons for not discussing specific force protection steps.

The five men remain in custody. UK counter-terrorism laws permit holding suspects for up to 14 days without charge. No identifications or motives have been released. Police continue to examine evidence from the vehicles and scene.

The base has supported US operations against Iranian missile sites attacking shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The arrests highlight ongoing security challenges at facilities supporting those missions.