Terror Plot Suspected Near US Airbase In UK

Terror Plot Suspected Near US Airbase In UK:

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after three suspicious vans were spotted travelling towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire which is a major UK base used by the US Air Force.

Image shows the suspected terror cell after arrest.

What we know:

* A local farmer returning home from a party found vans blocking a road and saw several hooded and balaclava clad men before calling 999.

* Armed police arrived within around 15 minutes and arrested five men in the nearby Whelford area.

* The suspects were initially detained under the Explosives Act and later further arrested under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

* Army bomb disposal experts are using specialist robots to examine all three vans.

* A major incident was declared, a 400 metre cordon established and around 85 households evacuated.

* Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation. All five suspects remain in custody.

* Their identities, nationalities and alleged motive remain undisclosed. An Iranian connection is the leading line of inquiry, while Russian sabotage and an Islamist plot are also being examined.

* The operation was reportedly not intelligence-led although President Donald Trump claimed the suspects intended to cause "big damage" and had been watched by British and American authorities "for a long time".

* The highest alert level is now in force at British military bases hosting American forces.

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