Counterterrorism police said on Monday that the five men detained near RAF Fairford, a British air base used by the US for attacks on Iran, are all UK nationals from London and are in their 20s.
The suspects include a 25-year-old, three 24-year-olds and a 23-year-old. They have remained in custody since Sunday and are being investigated on suspicion of offences including preparing a terrorist act under UK counterterrorism legislation. Police questioned the men on Monday.
The arrests followed a report shortly before 1 am on Sunday about three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Armed officers subsequently detained the five men in the nearby Whelford area. Authorities also launched an examination of the three vans under the Explosives Act.
A resident alerted police after seeing several hooded and masked individuals moving into nearby fields. A 400-metre security cordon was established around the vehicles, while about 85 households were evacuated as Army bomb-disposal specialists examined the scene.
US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been under observation by British and American authorities and claimed they were intending to cause significant damage. Police, however, have not publicly established a motive and have said the investigation remains in its early stages.
Investigators are examining possible links to Iran, according to British media reports, although other potential explanations have also been considered. Defence Minister Wes Streeting said he would not comment on the motive while the investigation was continuing.
The arrests come amid heightened tensions between Britain and Iran. British authorities have previously imposed sanctions on Iranian-linked individuals and entities over alleged hostile activities. At the same time, Iran has repeatedly rejected accusations that it is involved in attacks or plots in Britain.
