British police said several men had been arrested on suspicion of offences involving explosives after a major incident was declared near RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base in southwest England used by US forces. Army bomb-disposal personnel examined several vehicles, and residents were evacuated from their homes. Police did not detail the suspected acts or announce charges in the report.
The British government has authorized the United States to use RAF Fairford for strikes against Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. A Reuters witness saw armed police blocking the base’s main entrance. About 30 emergency vehicles—including police cars, ambulances and fire engines—were stationed in the village of Fairford. Several properties were being evacuated in nearby Whelford.
A US Air Force spokesperson declined to discuss specific force-protection measures. The spokesperson said the 501st Combat Support Wing and other US wings based in Britain remained vigilant and would take appropriate steps to protect US service members, civilian staff, contractors and their families.
In July, Britain said its armed forces were prepared to defend the country after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned against allowing US bombers to take off from RAF Fairford. Amid growing concern about sabotage and cyberattacks, the British government also briefed critical-infrastructure operators on the threat from Russia. Moscow denies carrying out hybrid attacks against Western countries.