Police in Gloucestershire, England, evacuated homes near RAF Fairford, an air base used by U.S. forces, on Sunday after several men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses. The arrests were made under the Explosives Act, and counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation. Residents of "a number of properties" in Whelford, western England, were taken to a nearby leisure center as a precautionary measure.
The situation near RAF Fairford has been "contained," according to Gloucestershire police, who have established a cordon in the area. Army bomb-disposal experts are examining several vehicles as part of the investigation. While police did not confirm that the arrests were linked to the base, RAF Fairford has been used by American forces for limited strikes during conflicts, including the war with Iran.
The U.K. government allowed the American military to use RAF Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites after the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran on February 28. The base's involvement in military operations has raised concerns about security in the area. In response to the incident, Britain's Defense Secretary Wes Streeting thanked emergency and specialist teams for their response.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's office confirmed that he is receiving updates on the situation. A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force said its personnel based at RAF Fairford "remain vigilant" but would not discuss specific force protection measures for security reasons. The spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. Air Force constantly assesses various factors to determine what measures to institute or modify to protect its installations, people, and families.
Gloucestershire police have confirmed that several men have been detained on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act. The investigation is ongoing, with counter-terrorism police leading the inquiry. The police have reassured the public that the incident is contained and that there is no immediate danger.
RAF Fairford has played a significant role in U.S. military operations, particularly during the war with Iran. The base's use by American forces has been strictly limited, but it has been an important location for U.S. military activities in the region. The incident on Sunday has raised concerns about the security of the base and the surrounding area.
The investigation into the suspected explosives offenses is ongoing, with police working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The U.S. Air Force has emphasized its commitment to protecting its personnel and installations, while the U.K. government has reassured the public that the situation is being dealt with.
Key points
- Several men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of explosives offenses.
- The incident has been contained, and the investigation is ongoing.
- RAF Fairford has been used by U.S. forces for limited strikes during conflicts.
