Donald Trump has weighed in on the security alert near the American air base at RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom, calling the arrests of five individuals by authorities “great.”
Read also: UK: Counter-terrorism takes over investigation after security alert at RAF base used by Americans — Five arrests and 85 homes evacuated
Trump on the RAF Fairford alert and arrests: “We had been watching them for a long time”
In brief remarks to journalists, cited by Sky News, the US President stated that the men “were looking to do big damage” and that cooperation with the British authorities “turned out to be great.”
“We were watching them for a long time and we caught them,” he said before departing.
The call that triggered the alert in the UK
British authorities arrested five men following the security alert, all suspected of planning a terrorist attack in the UK.
It all began at around 12:45 AM on Sunday, when authorities received a call reporting three suspicious vehicles moving toward RAF Fairford.
According to Sky News, a man living in Whelford stated that another local resident had reported three “suspicious vans” in the area earlier that morning.
According to Julian Tundsbury, the resident “called the air base police, who didn’t answer the phone,” adding that it “just rang out, so she called 999.”
Tundsbury said police told him to “evacuate” the area due to a serious incident having occurred, though they were unable to provide further details.
Five men have been arrested by police on suspicion of explosives offences near RAF Fairford, the UK airbase used by the US to strike Iranian targets. 85 homes in the nearby village of Whelford have been evacuated, as an investigation led by counter-terror police is underway. The men detained have been further arrested on suspicion of the preparation of a terrorist act, the Metropolitan Police said.
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) September 27, 2026
A woman living on the perimeter of the base said that in recent weeks “they [base personnel] have placed heavy, very heavy vehicles at all the gates.”
A 400-metre security cordon has been established around the suspicious vehicles, which are being examined by a specialist British Army bomb disposal unit. Police have declared the situation a “major incident,” while noting they believe it is under control.
As a precautionary measure, 85 homes have been evacuated. A nearby leisure centre has been opened for residents who are unable to stay with family or friends.
Police confirmed they are in continuous contact with relevant agencies at both local and national level and, crucially, that they are working closely with UK Counter Terrorism Policing as investigations continue to determine the exact nature of the incident.
Authorities have not yet announced what was found inside the three vehicles, nor have they confirmed that the five men were planning an attack on RAF Fairford.
The strategic importance of RAF Fairford
RAF Fairford is one of the most significant installations used by US Air Force in the United Kingdom. The base hosts American B-1B Lancer strategic bombers and has been used for US military operations in the Middle East.
The incident carries particular weight given ongoing tensions with Iran and previous threats against facilities used for American military operations.
At this stage, however, there is no official indication linking the five arrested men to Iran or to any specific terrorist organisation. British authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains ongoing.
