UK Air Base Security Scare: Homes Evacuated Near RAF Fairford After Explosives Arrests

A major security sweep was launched on Sunday near RAF Fairford in southwest England, which saw the evacuation of surrounding homes, after a number of men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.

Gloucestershire Police described the incident as a major incident in the Whelford area near the Royal Air Force base where the US Air Force operate. People were relocated to a nearby leisure centre, and specialist teams carried out a risk assessment.

Police claimed the incident was contained, but investigation was still ongoing.

Gloucestershire Police stated that a number of men were arrested on suspicion of offences relating to explosives. The Army's specialist team of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) was then sent to investigate several vehicles in the vicinity.

A cordon around the affected area was set up, and emergency personnel, such as police, ambulances and fire trucks, were mobilized in the area.

The police urged the public and residents to keep out of the area while the rescue was underway.

Police said there was no indication that the situation was out of control and they were cooperating with other agencies as part of the emergency response protocol.

Homes Evacuated In Whelford

The declaration of the Major Incident saw several properties in Whelford being evacuated. Officers and specialist teams worked at the scene, taking residents to a nearby leisure centre.

Some 30 emergency vehicles were reported at the wider Fairford area and armed officers were reported to have stopped access around the air base.

Police have not said that the arrests were directly connected with RAF Fairford, however. An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the suspected offences.

RAF Fairford's contribution to military operations in the USA

It follows a particularly sensitive period for RAF Fairford as it is being used by the US Air Force and has become significant in the current conflict with Iran.

The British government has given U.S. forces permission to operate from the base in attacks against Iranian missile sites linked to attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports.

The increased security level around the installation also comes after recent statements by the IRGC in warning against the use of UK bases by the US forces.

The Air Force said its personnel were "vigilant" in spite of the security operation. The spokesperson refused to disclose what type of force protection measures were taken, saying only for operational security reasons.

U.K. authorities are monitoring security threats

The latest incident comes on the heels of other worries about a possible threat to military and critical infrastructure in Britain.

British officials have issued previous warnings of the danger of sabotage and cyberattacks, and Russia has refuted claims of hybrid warfare against Western nations.

There has been no public association by officials of the arrests with Iran, Russia, terrorism or any other foreign entity on Sunday.

The investigation and examination of the vehicles is ongoing and for now Gloucestershire Police say the situation has been contained.

Meanwhile, no names have been made public for those arrested or details of the charges for alleged explosives offences.

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Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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