British police arrested five people on Sunday on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences near an air base in England, which is used by long-range American bombers in the war against Iran.
Army bomb disposal units went to the scene, while dozens of nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution while the investigation continues.
The arrests were made after information was received from residents of the area just after midnight. The individuals have not been identified and no details about a possible motive have been given.
In addition to the suspected explosives offences, the men were “further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act,” according to counter-terrorism police. Counter-terrorism laws allow UK police to detain suspects for up to 14 days before charging them.
US President Donald Trump called the arrests "fantastic", saying the US and the UK had had the individuals under investigation for "a long time".
"Working with the British, it was a great job," Trump told reporters in Chicago. "They were looking to do a lot of damage to our stronghold, and working with the British worked great. We had them under surveillance for a long time and we caught them," he said.
The US Embassy in London warned Americans in the UK to "exercise caution and be aware of personal security" following the arrests. ©LAPSI.al
