Donald Trump said he was "surprised" that British police released five men arrested near RAF Fairford on bail after a major security operation. The suspects — five British men in their 20s — were detained when three vans were seen approaching the U.K. air base and held on suspicion of explosives and preparation of a terrorist act. Authorities say the men were released after extensive interviews, no charges have been filed, and investigators continue to examine the vans and pursue multiple lines of inquiry, including possible foreign involvement.
Trump Says He Was ‘Surprised’ After Five Men Arrested Near RAF Fairford Were Released On Bail; Investigation Continues
Armed police at a checkpoint near RAF Fairford in southwest England on Tuesday. (Ben Birchall / PA via Getty Images)
Donald Trump said he was "surprised" that British police released on bail five men detained during a large security operation near RAF Fairford, an air base used by U.S. forces. The men were arrested after three vehicles were observed driving toward the base, prompting a major counterterrorism response that briefly disrupted the normally quiet Cotswolds community.
Senator Marco Rubio suggested the incident "clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor," an assertion British officials have not confirmed. British counterterrorism leaders have urged caution, saying the probe remains active and that multiple lines of inquiry are being pursued.
Arrests and Bail
The five suspects — British nationals in their 20s from London — were detained on suspicion of terrorism and offenses under the Explosives Act of 1875 after three vans were seen moving toward RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force station about 90 minutes west of London. Counterterrorism police took over the inquiry after a major incident was declared.
Counterterrorism chief Laurence Taylor said the men were released on bail following "extensive interviews and inquiries," but stressed the investigation is ongoing and that no charges have been filed.
Forensic Work and Questions About Explosives
Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York City on Sept. 22. (Dominik Bindl / Getty Images)
Taylor said the three vans were "subject to extensive examination with the support of military assets and forensic experts." He did not confirm whether explosives were found; several British reports have indicated no explosives were discovered, but police have not publicly resolved that question.
Possible Foreign Involvement and Diplomatic Notes
The arrests renewed questions about whether a foreign actor could be involved. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had earlier warned Britain that RAF Fairford could be a "legitimate target," and the detentions followed Prime Minister Keir Starmer's approval for U.S. forces to use some British bases for limited defensive operations related to tensions with Iran. The Iranian Embassy in Britain denied any involvement.
Taylor said investigators are considering "every possible angle," including that individuals might have been acting as proxies or on behalf of a foreign state, either knowingly or unknowingly.
What We Know Now
At present: five men were arrested and later released on bail after interviews; the investigation continues with military and forensic support; no charges have been filed publicly; and officials are probing multiple leads, including potential foreign links. Authorities have asked the public to remain calm while inquiries continue.
"Be assured we are considering this from every possible angle," said Laurence Taylor of the United Kingdom's counterterrorism police.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
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