Washington/London: US President Donald Trump praised a joint counter-terrorism operation by American and British security forces following the arrest of five men near a strategic Royal Air Force base in Gloucestershire, England, over suspected explosives offences and a planned terrorist act.

Speaking to reporters en route to the Presidents Cup golf tournament in Illinois, President Trump revealed that the suspects were under long-term surveillance and aimed to carry out massive attacks.

"Working with Britain, it was an amazing job," Trump said. "We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our ports. We had them under view for a long time, and we got them."

The arrests occurred near RAF Fairford, a critical forward-operating facility used extensively by the US Air Force's 501st Combat Support Wing and US Global Strike Command. Heavy strategic aircraft, including B-1 Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress bombers, have been operating from the base for targeted missions against Iranian missile sites threatening shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

UK Authorities Urge Calm as Evacuations Underway

Reacting to the high-level security operation, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for public calm while praising the swift intervention of emergency responders and counter-terrorism teams.

"I know today's incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country," Prime Minister Burnham wrote in a statement posted on X. "My thanks go to Gloucestershire Police, Counter Terrorism Policing, our Armed Forces and all those working to keep the public safe."

The Prime Minister also commended residents in the adjacent village of Whelford who were evacuated from their homes as military bomb disposal teams moved in.

"I am especially grateful to those residents who have been asked to leave their homes while precautionary checks are carried out," Burnham said. "The safety and security of the public is our first priority, and I want people to know that we will always take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep our country safe. The investigation remains ongoing, and I would urge people not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts."

Major Incident Declared Near Strategic US Bomber Hub

Gloucestershire Police declared a major incident in Whelford shortly after the suspects were detained under the Explosives Act. A wide safety cordon was established, and military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units were deployed to inspect multiple vehicles.

"The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles," Gloucestershire Police stated, noting that displaced villagers were being housed at a local leisure center. "We’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained. We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”

Counter-terrorism officers later added further charges against the five men, arresting them on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

"We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody. As you would expect, we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident," said Vicki Evans, a senior officer in Counter Terrorism Policing.

Heightened Iranian Threats to British Military Installations

The thwarted plot unfolds amid escalating tensions between London, Washington, and Tehran. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had previously issued explicit threats against RAF Fairford, warning that UK facilities supporting US military operations against Tehran would become "legitimate targets."

The IRGC accused the United States of relying on B-1 bombers dispatched from Fairford to strike Iranian positions after depleting naval missile stocks in the Indian Ocean.

The UK government maintained that its armed forces stand fully prepared to defend the nation against any form of attack, after granting the US Air Force permission to utilize the strategic base for defensive and precision strikes in the region. Authorities have not yet released the identities or nationalities of the five suspects in custody. (ANI)