Major incident at RAF Fairford base: A village was evacuated, and British police arrested several men

British police arrested several men on Sunday suspected of violating explosives legislation, while authorities declared a major incident near RAF Fairford airbase in southwest England. Several properties in the village of Whelford were evacuated, and access to the base used by U.S. air forces was restricted.

The military’s specialist bomb disposal team is checking several vehicles. Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were deployed in the town of Fairford. A witness said armed police were blocking access to the base’s main gate.

RAF Fairford is used by U.S. air forces, and the British government has authorized the facility’s use for strikes against Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Air Force did not provide details about the security measures, saying that it constantly adapts the protection of its personnel and infrastructure.

The incident comes amid warnings of possible threats to the base. In July, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned against American bombers taking off from Fairford. London has also flagged risks of sabotage and cyberattacks attributed to Russia, allegations denied by Moscow.