Trump Claims Men Arrested At UK Air Base Planned Damage

Donald Trump has claimed the men arrested at a US air base in the UK were “looking to do big damage”.

British police arrested five people on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences on Sunday.

It came after a tip-off that the three suspicious vans were heading towards the RAF Fairford, a military airfield which has previously been used to target Iran.

Britain previously gave the US approval to use its military bases to launch defensive strikes against Iran as part of the ongoing conflict.

A major incident was declared earlier today at the scene.

The five men were arrested and held on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, and police say they believe the incident is now contained.

British Counter Terrorism Policing said in a statement that they were in the early stages of an investigation and working with partners to understand the circumstances of the incident.

But Trump was much more open, telling reporters in the US: “It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job.

“We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.

“It may have been Scotland Yard, I don’t know. We worked with a lot of them.

“We had them under view for a long time, and we got them. Thank you.”

UK defence secretary Wes Streeting responded to Trump’s remarks, telling reporters: “This is my first experience as defence secretary of responding live to President Trump and I’m sure it won’t be the only occasion.

“I’m sure you will understand that I’m not going to comment on a live operation and operational security matters.

“I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone that given the importance of Fairford – not just to the UK but to the US – we’ve been working closely with our American friends, and I’ve been in touch during the course of today with my counterpart, Pete Hegseth.”

Prime minister Andy Burnham thanked the police and armed forces on X, saying: “I know today’s incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards previously claimed any UK site which is used to target Iran would be a legitimate target.

The UK responded by insisting its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack.

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