World · Malaysia Bureau
UK police question five men arrested near US airbase
British authorities have launched a terrorism investigation after detaining five men near RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force station in England that hosts US military aircraft. Police cordoned off the base and evacuated nearby residents as officers investigated suspected explosives and terrorism-related offences.
LSN Malaysia ·
Detectives from counter-terrorism units questioned the five suspects following their arrest in the vicinity of RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The base serves as a forward operating location for United States Air Force bombers and has played a role in military operations across the Middle East and beyond.
Local authorities implemented enhanced security measures, establishing a cordon around the airfield and temporarily evacuating residents from nearby areas as a precautionary measure. Officers from the National Counter Terrorism Policing Team took charge of the investigation, treating the incident as a matter of national security.
The suspected explosives were secured by specialist teams, and forensic examination of materials recovered during the operation was underway. Police did not immediately release details regarding the specific allegations or the extent of any materials discovered during the investigation.
RAF Fairford has historically been utilised by allied military forces for operations in sensitive regions. The base remains an important strategic asset for NATO and US military operations in Europe. Authorities advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.