Five men have been arrested near RAF Fairford in England on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after police received a report of three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the air base. The base is used by the U.S. Air Force. 

Armed officers responded shortly after the call at about 12:45 a.m. on Sept. 27 and arrested the men in the nearby Whelford area. They were initially detained on suspicion of offenses under Britain’s Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under the Terrorism Act.

President Donald Trump praised the operation while speaking to reporters and said U.S. and British authorities had been investigating the suspects.

“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 and we got them,” Trump said.

Trump later said authorities had the suspects “under view for a long time.” He did not provide additional details about the alleged plan or identify the men. 

Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the investigation remained in its early stages and that authorities were working with partners to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police established a 400-meter cordon around the vehicles while an Army explosive ordnance disposal team examined them. About 85 households were evacuated as a precaution, and an evacuation center was opened for residents unable to remain in their homes. 

A local resident told the BBC that she contacted police after seeing three parked vans and a group of men wearing masks near the base. Other residents reported being awakened and told to leave their homes as police responded to what authorities declared a major incident. 

RAF Fairford, located in Gloucestershire in southwest England, has a longstanding connection with the U.S. military and has recently been used by American bombers during operations against Iran. Reuters reported that the British government had authorized the United States to use bombers based at Fairford for strikes against Iranian missile sites.

Authorities have not publicly identified the five men or announced their nationalities. Police also have not publicly established a motive for the suspected plot.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the incident “deeply concerning” and thanked police, counterterrorism officers and the armed forces for their response. He urged the public not to speculate while investigators establish the facts. 

The five suspects remained in custody as investigators continued gathering evidence from the scene. Police said they believed the immediate incident was contained.