British police have arrested five men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after a major security incident was declared near RAF Fairford, a British air base used by U.S. air forces in Gloucestershire, England.
Gloucestershire Police said 85 homes were advised to evacuate in the Whelford area, near the base. The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was also examining a number of vehicles.
Police say they are working closely with partners in counter terrorism policing to establish the full nature of the incident.
A Reuters eyewitness reported seeing armed police blocking access to the main gate of RAF Fairford, while around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in the nearby village.
The base has gained particular significance amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. The British government has authorised the United States to use RAF Fairford for strikes against Iranian missile sites that are targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. Air Force declined to discuss specific force protection measures but said its personnel and facilities remained under heightened security. A spokesperson said the U.S. military was continually assessing security conditions and adjusting measures to protect service members, civilians, contractors and their families.
The incident comes after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRG) warned in July that Britain should not allow U.S. bombers to operate from RAF Fairford. The base has previously been used by U.S. strategic bombers and remains an important facility for U.S. military operations in Europe.
The UK has also increased its focus on potential threats to critical infrastructure. British ministers have briefed infrastructure providers about possible risks from Russia, including sabotage operations and cyberattacks.
Moscow has denied carrying out hybrid attacks against Western countries.
Police have not publicly said whether the arrests are connected to any specific threat against RAF Fairford or U.S. military operations.
The investigation and examination of the vehicles are continuing.
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