Suspected Iran‑linked terror plot foiled at RAF Fairford after residents alert police

A local resident’s call to police may have prevented a terror attack on a U.S. bomber base in Gloucestershire.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 28 Sep 2026 02:50:20 GMT

A suspected terror plot aimed at RAF Fairford, a U.S. bomber base in Gloucestershire, was reportedly foiled after a resident in the nearby village of Whelford called the police in the early hours of Sunday. Five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing an explosive attack, and authorities say the plot may have links to Iran.

The incident began when a Whelford resident noticed three vans travelling toward the airbase and reported the vehicles as blocking the road. The resident described a large group of men in hooded clothing and balaclavas, and said the men may have mistaken the resident for police and panicked. Police arrived about 15 minutes after the call and found the vans packed with explosives and chemicals.

Arrests and investigation

Five men were taken into custody at gunpoint. The police operation was not intelligence‑led, meaning investigators had no prior knowledge of a potential plot. The investigation is ongoing under the Explosives Act and Terrorism Act 2000, with no further details released.

Evacuation and security response

Local authorities evacuated 85 homes within a 400‑yard radius of the base. A bomb disposal robot inspected the vans, and black barrels were found inside. The base was reportedly on lockdown due to a “terror threat” at the time of the incident.

Possible Iranian involvement

British authorities are treating the foiled plot as a suspected Iranian‑backed plan to target American service members on the base, which is used for strikes in the Iran conflict. The U.S. Air Force has used RAF Fairford for operations in that region.

Community reaction

Residents reported increased security measures at the base in recent weeks, including heavy tractor‑like vehicles parked and concrete walls laid behind the gates. A pensioner nearby described the heightened alertness and the presence of large vehicles.

Police said the resident’s alert may have saved many lives, and the incident has heightened security concerns over hostile state threats and U.S. military operations in the UK.

Key facts

Five men arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act involving three vans (nypost.com)
The incident involved a resident in Whelford who called police after spotting suspicious vans (standard.co.uk)
85 homes within a 400‑yard radius of the base were evacuated (nypost.com)
The plot may have been linked to Iran and targeted U.S. service members (nypost.com)
A bomb disposal robot inspected the vans and found black barrels (nypost.com)

Background

The incident follows heightened security concerns at RAF Fairford, a U.S. bomber base used for operations in the Iran conflict. Earlier Felo coverage on 27 September reported the arrests and evacuation of 85 households.