British counterterrorism police announced on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, that five men arrested near a U.S.-operated air force base in England were released on bail. The suspects, described as British nationals in their 20s from the London area, remain under investigation following their detention early Sunday morning. Police stated that while the men are being released, they are subject to strict conditions regarding their movements and contacts.
The arrests occurred near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, a British-owned base used by U.S. Air Force B-1 and B-52 bombers. The facility has been utilized for operations during the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which began on Feb. 28. Authorities initiated the police response after receiving a report at approximately 12:45 a.m. local time on Sunday regarding three suspicious vehicles near the village of Whelford.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of U.K. Counter Terrorism Policing, stated that investigators are exploring "multiple lines of inquiry." These include whether the suspects were acting as proxies for a foreign state, such as Iran or Russia, or on behalf of non-state militant groups. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the suspects had been "under view" for some time and were allegedly looking to cause damage to the installation. The Iranian Embassy in London issued a statement Monday rejecting any link to the incident.
The investigation affects residents of the village of Whelford and personnel at RAF Fairford, where security measures have been increased through new roadblocks and armed patrols. During the initial response on Sunday, police evacuated 85 households as a precaution while army bomb-disposal experts used a robot to examine three white vans. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed Monday afternoon that the area was safe and residents could return home. No viable explosives were reported found.
For U.S. service members and their families stationed in the U.K., the incident has resulted in a public warning from the U.S. Embassy to remain vigilant and mindful of personal security. The base at Fairford is used as a launch point for B-52 and B-1 bombers since Prime Minister Keir Starmer approved its use for "defensive" operations against Iranian missile sites in March. The five suspects—aged 23 to 25—now face specific bail restrictions despite not yet being formally charged.
While the Iranian government has officially condemned the speculation of its involvement, British intelligence has noted a 50% increase in national security cases involving hostile state activity in the half-year ending December 2025. Prime Minister Andy Burnham was scheduled to chair a meeting of the COBRA emergency committee on Monday evening to review the investigation.