British National Arrested on Suspicion of Terrorist Acts Near RAF Fairford

Based on reporting by BBC UK:

Counter-terror police stated that a 22-year-old British national was apprehended in Westminster, London, on Tuesday as part of the inquiry into an event near the airbase in Gloucestershire that occurred on September 27. This individual's arrest is the seventh in connection with the incident, although no charges have been brought against anyone involved.

A major incident was declared, and numerous residences were evacuated after police were alerted to three vehicles deemed suspicious near the airbase. Senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, indicated that the investigation is ongoing, noting that police are continuing to follow several lines of inquiry.

On September 27, five men, aged between 23 and 25, were detained near the base after vehicles were reported moving toward the location. They were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses and subsequently on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, before being released on police bail following what police described as an "investigative decision" based on experience and strategy. A sixth individual, a 25-year-old dual Iranian-British national, was arrested in Westminster on October 1 and was also released on bail.

RAF Fairford, which is situated near the village of Whelford, has been utilized by the US Air Force for several decades. In recent months, the US had flown B-1 and B-52 bombers from the base to the Middle East, following the UK's approval for Fairford to be used for defensive strikes against Iran. However, it was revealed on Sunday that the US had withdrawn its bombers from the base and returned them to America.

US President Donald Trump stated that the aircraft were removed due to "some threats" to the base, without providing specific details. When questioned by reporters outside the White House on Monday regarding whether a "specific threat" prompted the US withdrawal, Trump responded that they could say so, noting that the aircraft did not leave by chance. He mentioned there were "some threats" and that rather than provoking the enemy, they would capture and defeat the enemy, adding that they moved the aircraft around a little bit, not very far.

Earlier, US Vice-President JD Vance mentioned that the bombers were relocated "out of an abundance of caution." These statements followed US media reports suggesting the decision was made after intelligence indicated Iran was planning a drone attack, though the BBC has not confirmed those reports. Prior to Trump's comments on Monday, a spokesperson for No 10 had maintained that RAF Fairford was secure, referencing previous remarks where they had commended the UK's "police, defence and security services" concerning the base.