Five arrested in Britain over suspicions of a planned attack near RAF Fairford, Trump: They could have caused major damage

United States President Donald Trump has reacted to the detention of five people in Britain who are suspected of preparing a terrorist act near the RAF Fairford air base. He described the operation by the British authorities as a “fantastic” development.

Speaking to reporters in Illinois, Trump said the suspects intended to cause “major damage”. He also praised cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom.

“We have been following them for a long time and finally caught them,” Trump said, without providing further details about the possible involvement of US agencies in the operation.

According to British police authorities, the incident was reported at around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, following a call reporting the presence of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford.

Armed police forces went to the scene and arrested five men suspected of preparing a terrorist act.

A 400-metre security cordon was established around the vehicles. Meanwhile, a specialist British army team responsible for neutralizing explosive devices is carrying out checks in the area.

Police described the situation as a “major incident” and said it was believed to be under control.

As a security measure, the authorities evacuated 85 families from their homes in the surrounding area. Investigations into the circumstances of the arrests are ongoing.