Major Incident Declared Near UK Air Base Used by US Forces as Police Make Arrests and Evacuate Homes

British police arrested several men on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act on Sunday, while the military examined a series of vehicles following a heightened security alert at RAF Fairford, a key air base in southwest England used by the United States Air Force.

The incident prompted the declaration of a major incident in the nearby village of Whelford, where a number of properties were evacuated. Gloucestershire Police confirmed that around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire engines, were stationed near the base, with armed officers blocking access to the main gate. The British Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was deployed to examine the vehicles in question. Authorities stated that they believed the situation had been contained, though investigations remain ongoing.

The British government authorized the US to utilize RAF Fairford for strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which has heightened tensions. Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being updated on the situation, with officials noting it would be inappropriate to comment further during the active investigation.

A spokesperson for the US Air Force declined to discuss specific force protection measures but affirmed that the 501st Combat Support Wing and other UK-based units remain vigilant. “We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people, and their families,” the spokesperson stated.

This security scare comes amid broader concerns over potential threats to British infrastructure. In July, the UK armed forces were placed on high alert following warnings from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards against allowing US bombers to operate from Fairford. Additionally, British ministers have briefed critical infrastructure providers on the rising threat of Russian sabotage and cyberattacks, though Moscow denies involvement in hybrid operations against Western nations.

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