British police arrested several men on charges related to explosives in a major incident near the RAF Fairford airbase, which is jointly used by American forces. The incident occurred on Sunday, following which army bomb disposal experts began examining vehicles and homes in the area.
Details of the Incident and Officials' Reactions
The British government, which has allowed the United States to use RAF Fairford to attack Iranian missile sites that had targeted ships in the Strait of Hormuz, announced that Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister of Britain, is receiving up-to-date information about the incident.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran had warned in July that any military base used in attacks would be a legitimate target. According to an eyewitness, armed police blocked access to the main gate of the base, and machinery was placed in front of access points. Additionally, residents of a nearby village were awakened in the early hours and received orders to evacuate their homes.
Security Measures and Investigations
About 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks, were parked in the village of Fairford near the base, and a helicopter was flying overhead. Gloucestershire police stated in a statement: "Several properties in the Wolford area are being evacuated following the declaration of this major incident. This action follows the arrest of several men on charges under the Explosive Substances Act."
Specialist army bomb disposal teams were examining several vehicles, and police announced that the incident is now under control. Images from the scene showed the arrest of five men without tops, as well as three large white vans near the incident site. Live footage from the scene showed bomb disposal robot activity near these vans. Local media reported that the counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation.
The British government stated that it is currently inappropriate to comment on the incident while investigations are ongoing. A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force declined to discuss specific security measures, stating: "The 501st Combat Support Group and other units stationed in Britain are always vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of American forces, civilians, contractors, and their families."
In July, Britain announced that its armed forces are prepared to protect against any attacks, especially following a warning from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to Britain not to allow American bombers to fly from Fairford. Media reports also indicated an increase in security measures at other bases in Britain used by the United States, including Lakenheath and Mildenhall.
