Gloucestershire police evacuated residential properties in Whelford, located near RAF Fairford in southwestern England, following the declaration of a major incident on Sunday. Several men were arrested on suspicion of offences related to explosives legislation. The army’s explosive ordnance disposal specialists were deployed to examine multiple vehicles at the scene.
Residents from affected homes were relocated to a nearby leisure centre for safety. Approximately 30 emergency vehicles, comprising police cars, ambulances, and fire engines, were positioned in the nearby town of Fairford. Armed police were reported to have blocked access to the airbase’s main gate, with security equipment placed at various entry points.
Police stated they believed the incident was contained and issued a reassurance to local residents. However, authorities provided no details regarding what triggered the arrests, whether explosives were discovered, or if any suspected violations were connected to the military facility. The US Air Force acknowledged awareness of the incident but declined to discuss specific security protocols. A spokesperson for the 501st Combat Support Wing indicated that US military units in Britain remained vigilant and would implement necessary protective measures for personnel and families.
RAF Fairford has served as a hub for US military operations, including strikes conducted during the US-Israel conflict with Iran. In March, three US B-1B Lancer bombers arrived at the base following what was believed to be the first US strike mission against Iran launched from a British location. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning in July that bases used to conduct attacks on Iranian territory could be considered legitimate military targets, though authorities have not linked the arrests to Iran or indicated the airbase was a target.
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