Arrests, evacuations over suspected explosives near U.K. base used for U.S. strikes on Iran
Police evacuated nearby properties and called in an army bomb disposal team to examine vehicles near RAF Fairford, which Britain authorized Washington to use for strikes on Iranian missile sites
Gloucestershire Police have declared a major incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after several men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses. The base, which hosts the United States Air Force and is used for US strikes on Iran, saw the evacuation of properties in nearby Whelford village. A cordon is currently in place as the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team examines vehicles.
A US Air Force spokesperson stated that while they are aware of the situation, they will not discuss specific force protection measures due to operational security. The base's 501st Combat Support Wing and fellow UK-based Wings emphasized their vigilance and readiness to take necessary actions to ensure the safety of personnel. Britain authorized US use of RAF Fairford for "defensive" strikes on Iran earlier this year, with America deploying bombers from the site.
In July, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any British military base used by the US to launch attacks against Tehran would become a "legitimate target."
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