Major Incident Declared at UK Air Base Used by US Forces
British police declared a major incident near RAF Fairford in southwest England on Sunday after five men were arrested over suspected explosives offences. The airbase is used by the United States Air Force and has been involved in US military operations against Iran.
Gloucestershire Police said officers received a report at around 12:45 a.m. about three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford. Armed officers responded and arrested five men in the nearby Whelford area. The men remained in police custody as counter-terrorism officers took charge of the investigation.
A 400-metre cordon was established around the vehicles while the British Army’s specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal team examined them. As a precaution, around 85 households in the area were advised to leave their homes. A nearby leisure centre was opened for residents who needed temporary accommodation.
Gloucestershire Police said the incident was believed to be contained and asked residents and the public not to speculate while the investigation continued. Emergency services maintained a large presence around the area as specialists assessed the vehicles and surrounding location.
RAF Fairford has become strategically important because of its use by US military aircraft. Britain had previously allowed the United States to use the base for operations described as defensive actions against Iranian missile threats during the conflict involving Iran and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters reported that armed police were positioned near the main entrance to the base, while a large number of emergency vehicles were seen in the area. The heightened security came amid concerns about possible threats to the installation and personnel stationed there.
US military officials declined to provide details about specific security arrangements at the base. A US Air Force spokesperson said security measures are regularly reviewed and stressed the importance of protecting service members, their families and military facilities.
The arrests also come against a wider background of security concerns surrounding Britain’s support for US military operations. Iran had previously warned countries against allowing their territory or military facilities to be used for attacks against Iranian targets.
British authorities have also been examining potential threats to critical infrastructure. Officials have previously briefed infrastructure operators about concerns linked to possible hostile activity, including allegations involving Russia. Moscow has denied accusations that it conducts hybrid attacks against Western countries.
The investigation near RAF Fairford remains ongoing. Police have not publicly confirmed the identities of the arrested men or established the full nature and intended purpose of the suspected explosives. Authorities have urged the public to rely on official updates as counter-terrorism and bomb-disposal teams continue their work.