British counter-terrorism police are investigating whether Iran was behind a suspected bomb plot targeting RAF Fairford, a British air base used by US forces in operations against Iran, The Telegraph reported on Sunday.
Five men were arrested under the Explosives Act and on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after three suspicious vans were reported traveling toward the Gloucestershire air base shortly after midnight, according to the report.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said police received a call at around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday concerning three suspicious vehicles traveling toward RAF Fairford. Armed officers responded and subsequently arrested five men in the nearby Whelford area.
Counter Terrorism Policing took over the investigation, while an Army explosive ordnance disposal team examined the vehicles. Police established a 400-meter cordon and advised around 85 households to evacuate as a precaution.
The Telegraph reported that investigators were examining several possible motives, including an Iranian operation, Russian sabotage, or an Islamist plot. An Iran-linked motive was considered the most likely possibility, according to the report. British police have not publicly identified a suspected perpetrator or confirmed an Iranian connection.
A British farmer who dialed emergency services told the BBC later on Monday that she saw a "large group of hooded and masked men" near RAF Fairford.
Trump: Suspects in bomb plot were 'looking to do big damage'
US President Donald Trump said the arrested men were “looking to do big damage.”
“It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job,” Trump told reporters in the US.
“We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.
“We had them under view for a long time, and we got them. Thank you.”
Footage from the scene showed several of the men shirtless and handcuffed near the air base, while aerial images showed a bomb-disposal robot moving between three white vans. Two of the vehicles had their rear doors open, with large black objects visible nearby.
One of the vans bomb-disposal specialists examined bore the words “FUEL 2YOU” in red lettering and displayed a phone number. The Telegraph said the number appeared to be one digit short and was not recognized when its reporters called it. The newspaper said it could find neither the company name in online searches nor a matching listing at Companies House.
Fuel2U, a mobile fuel delivery company based in Beaconsfield, told the newspaper that the vehicle had no connection to its business.
Base security recently increased amid arrival of US bomber aircraft
Security at RAF Fairford had already been increased in recent months. Protective screens were installed along parts of the perimeter after the base attracted attention from plane spotters as US bombers arrived.
The suspected plot prompted further security measures around RAF Fairford, while armed personnel and armored vehicles were also seen at other British bases used by the US military.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not publicly established a motive or said whether the incident was directed by Iran or any other foreign actor.
Later on Monday, UK Defense Minister Wes Streeting said it would be "very unwise" for him to speculate about the motives of the individuals arrested, when asked if Iran was involved in the incident.
Reuters contributed to this report.