UK Ministers Thank Security Services After Five Held Near RAF Fairford

British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has praised the work of the country's intelligence services, armed forces and police following the arrest of five men near a US-operated air base in England, as counterterrorism detectives investigate whether an attempted attack was foiled.

Police were holding the five men on Monday and examining suspected explosives found near RAF Fairford, a UK-owned base used by the US Air Force that has hosted American bombers during decades of Middle East conflicts. The men, who have not been named, were detained early Sunday after three vans were spotted near the site.

They were initially held on suspicion of explosives offences and later also arrested on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism. Police can hold them for up to 14 days before they must be charged or released.

Speaking at a Labour conference, Streeting declined to give operational details but said the previous day's events offered "just a small glimpse of the extraordinary work" done by security services, armed forces and police "around the clock and around the world, behind the scenes and without recognition, to keep our country safe." He also stressed that Britain's friendship with the United States is the closest alliance of any two nations.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, speaking after Streeting, said the events at RAF Fairford were "a reminder of the threats our country faces" and thanked the security services, armed forces and police for their work. He added that Britain "will always stand up for our security against those who would do us harm."

President Donald Trump said the suspects had been detained following cooperation between the US and Britain and had been "under view" for some time. Police, however, said the arrests were triggered by a late-night call about "suspicious vehicles" near the base.

Investigators have not concluded whether the incident was a state-backed attack. They are examining a possible link to Iran, Russia or non-state-backed militant groups. RAF Fairford has also previously been the focus of protests by anti-war campaigners.

The arrests come amid heightened tensions over threats from hostile states. British intelligence services have said Russia and Iran have both used proxies to commit crimes on British soil. In March, officials said the number of national security cases involving activity by hostile states, including Iran, rose 50% in the six months to December 2025.