UK police have declared a "serious incident" at RAF Fairford airbase after detaining several men suspected of violating explosives laws. Details have not yet been released.
UK police declared a serious incident at RAF Fairford airbase in the southwest of the country after arresting several men suspected of violating explosives laws. Authorities evacuated some local residents and deployed bomb disposal teams to inspect several vehicles. The base is used by the United States Air Force.
Gloucestershire police stated that residents were evacuated from multiple homes in Welford village, near the base, following the declaration of the serious incident and the arrest of several suspects.
Police said that the British Army's bomb disposal teams are inspecting several vehicles to assess the situation and ensure safety.
A Reuters reporter on site said armed police blocked the main entrance to the base, while about 30 emergency vehicles—including police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks—were stationed in the nearby village of Fairford.
RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force base used by the United States Air Force. The UK government has authorized the US to use this base for operations targeting Iranian missile sites, which are accused of attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
A spokesperson for the US Air Force said they could not disclose specific security measures at the base but confirmed that the 501 Combat Support Wing and other US units stationed in the UK are closely monitoring the situation and will take appropriate measures to protect personnel, civilians, contractors, and their families.
Earlier in July, the UK stated that the military is prepared to defend the country after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned the UK not to allow US bombers to take off from RAF Fairford.
Meanwhile, the UK government has warned critical national infrastructure providers about threats from Russia, expressing growing concern over potential sabotage and cyberattacks. Russia denies involvement in attacks against Western countries.
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