WASHINGTON — President Trump suggested that several of the men who were nabbed and stripped down by British cops on terrorism charges had been under surveillance for some time.
On Sunday, British authorities apprehended five suspects accused of scheming a terrorist attack near a military base in the United Kingdom used by the US in the past, including for very limited strikes during the war against Iran.
Iran was being eyed as the most likely source of the terror plot after previously threatening the base, sources told The Telegraph. Locals called authorities about three suspicious vans near the scene, now believed to have been laden with chemicals.
“Working with Britain, it was an amazing job,” Trump told reporters on Sunday.
“We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.”
“We had them under view for a long time and we got them.”
Authorities evacuated some 85 homes while responding the the incident, and apprehended the men about two miles from Royal Air Force Fairford, according to Gloucestershire Police. The suspects were believed to be heading towards the base.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged the public not to speculate on the arrests.
“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,” Burnham posted on X.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and I would urge people not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts.”
