Trump: 5 Arrested at Base in UK Were Under Investigation

Hours after police arrested five men near an English air base used by the United States on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, President Trump indicated the US had been aware of the suspects. "We had them under investigation," he said. "They were looking to do big damage." That could raise questions about whether the men were under surveillance and how they managed to get so close to RAF Fairford, the New York Times reports. Police, who have released no information on the identity of the suspects, said they are also being held "on suspicion of committing offenses under the Explosives Act."

"It was an amazing job," Trump said in Chicago of the operation, adding that "working with the British worked out great." UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham thanked police, the armed forces, and people who were evacuated from nearby homes for the investigation, per the AP, saying he knew the case would be "deeply concerning" for many people. Investigators are looking into whether Iran or Russia, which have been accused of planning attacks in the UK, are involved, per the Times. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards has said bases used for launching attacks on Iran, as Fairford has been, would be considered legitimate targets.