British police have arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after security was stepped up at RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by US air forces in southwest England.
Gloucestershire police said on Sunday that a major incident had been declared, properties were being evacuated in nearby Whelford and the army was examining a number of vehicles.
“A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident. It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act,” police said in a statement.
“The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles.”
A Reuters eyewitness said armed police were blocking access to the base’s main gate. Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in the village of Fairford near the base.
The British government gave authorisation to the US to use RAF Fairford to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Concerns over possible sabotage operations, cyberattacks
A spokesperson for the US Air Force said they would not discuss specific force protection measures.
“The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” the spokesperson said.
“We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families.”
Britain said in July its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a warning not to allow US bombers to fly from Fairford.
British ministers have also briefed providers of critical infrastructure on the threat posed by Russia, with the government increasingly concerned about possible sabotage operations and cyberattacks. Russia denies alleged “hybrid attacks” on Western nations.
