United States President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed the action taken against terror suspects in the United Kingdom as “fantastic", claiming the five arrested men were planning a big plot against the UK base that houses American troops and aircraft.
“The arrest in the UK was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job. 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 while on a visit to Chicago. “We had them under view for a long time, and we got them," he added.
Police Examine Suspicious Vehicles Traveling Towards UK Base
The arrests came after police received a call around 12:45 am (local time) about three suspicious vehicles apparently travelling towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Armed officers subsequently arrested five men in nearby Whelford. They were initially held on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation, while an Army explosive ordnance disposal team is examining the vehicles. Authorities established a 400-metre cordon and evacuated around 85 households from the area as a precaution.
‘Deeply Concerning Incident’: UK PM On Counter-Terrorism Op
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the incident near RAF Fairford was a matter of concern for local residents and thanked the police, counter-terrorism teams and armed forces involved in the operation. He also expressed gratitude to residents evacuated as a precaution and stressed that public safety remained the government’s “first priority", while urging people not to speculate as the investigation continues.
The incident occurred near RAF Fairford, which hosts US Air Force personnel and has been used by American forces for limited strikes against Iran during the ongoing conflict. However, British authorities have not confirmed any link between the arrests and Iran or established whether the suspects were targeting the base.
