British police have arrested several men on suspicion of explosives-related crimes near a military base in England used by the US to launch strikes against Iranian targets. The arrests were made on Sunday, with police saying they were investigating a "major incident". The base, RAF Fairford, is used by the US military to launch strikes against Iranian targets, including missile sites in the Middle East.
The incident occurred in the village of Fairford, Gloucestershire, where residents were evacuated from their homes in the early hours of the morning. A large emergency response was deployed to the scene, including around 30 vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances, and fire engines. A helicopter was also seen flying overhead. The police cordoned off the area and restricted access to the base.
According to police, several men were arrested on suspicion of committing offenses under the Explosives Act. The arrests were made after a number of vehicles were found in the area, which are currently being examined by a team of military experts specializing in ammunition and explosives. The police described the incident as a "major incident" and said they were working to ensure public safety.
The UK government has granted the US permission to use RAF Fairford to launch strikes against Iranian targets, including missile sites in the Middle East. The base has been used by the US military for a number of years, and the incident on Sunday highlights the sensitive nature of the facility. The British government said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was being kept informed of the situation.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, with the US launching a number of strikes against Iranian targets in recent months. The Iranian government has condemned the strikes, which have been aimed at disrupting Iranian missile and drone capabilities. The incident on Sunday is the latest development in the complex and often fraught relationship between the US and Iran.
Residents in the village of Fairford were evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure, with some being taken to temporary accommodation. The police said they were working to minimize disruption to the local community, while also ensuring that the incident was thoroughly investigated. The investigation is ongoing, with police working to determine the cause of the incident and any potential threats.
The incident highlights the importance of the military base at RAF Fairford, which plays a critical role in US military operations in the Middle East. The base has been used for a number of years, and the incident on Sunday underscores the need for vigilance and security in the area. The police said they would provide updates on the investigation as more information became available.
Key points
- British police arrest several men on suspicion of explosives-related crimes near a US military base in England.
- The base, RAF Fairford, is used by the US military to launch strikes against Iranian targets.
- Residents in the village of Fairford were evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure.
