Reuters: Several arrested in major incident near US-used air base in UK

British police said on September 27 that they had arrested several men on suspicion of explosives offences, while Army bomb disposal experts were examining a number of vehicles following a “major incident” near a US-used air base in southwest England.

Residents of the village of Whelford, located near the base, were evacuated because of the incident and taken to a local leisure centre, according to police. Bomb disposal specialists are examining several vehicles, while a security cordon remains in place.

Police said they were working closely with partners and deploying established plans.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham noted that he was receiving regular updates on developments, adding, “it would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing.”

Defense Secretary Wes Streeting also thanked the emergency and specialist teams for their swift response, assuring that the situation “is under control.”

A US Air Force spokesperson said American personnel at the base “remain vigilant” but declined to comment on specific security measures.

According to the report, RAF Fairford is used by US aircraft, with permission from British authorities, to carry out strikes against Iranian missile facilities targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. In July, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned London that it could face retaliatory measures.

By Jeyhun Aghazada