UK Police Arrest Several Men at RAF Fairford Under Explosives Act

British police have arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act at RAF Fairford, an air base in southwest England used by United States air forces, and the army is examining a number of vehicles, authorities said on Sunday.

Gloucestershire police declared a major incident and said a number of properties in the Whelford area, a village near the base, were being evacuated following the arrests. The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was examining several vehicles, the force said in a statement.

Armed police were blocking access to the main gate of the base, and around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in the nearby village of Fairford.

A spokesperson for the US Air Force declined to discuss specific force protection measures. The 501st Combat Support Wing and other UK-based wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of US service members, civilians, contractors and their families, the spokesperson said, adding that a variety of factors are constantly assessed to determine what protective measures are instituted or modified.

The British government had authorised the US to use RAF Fairford to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In July, Britain said its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack after Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a warning against allowing US bombers to fly from Fairford.

British ministers have also briefed providers of critical infrastructure about the threat posed by Russia, with the government increasingly concerned about possible sabotage operations and cyberattacks. Russia denies mounting hybrid attacks on Western nations.