Police declare major incident at UK's Fairford airbase, used by US air forces

British police have declared a major incident at RAF Fairford, an airbase used by US forces in southwest England, after arresting several men on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act. The army is examining a number of vehicles following the heightened security measures at the base. The UK government authorized US use of RAF Fairford to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian ships have been attacking.

Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire engines, have been stationed in the nearby village of Fairford. Properties in the Whelford area are currently being evacuated as a result of the incident. The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team is currently investigating the seized vehicles.

A US Air Force spokesperson declined to comment on specific force protection measures, stating that they constantly assess various factors to determine necessary security actions. Following Iran's Revolutionary Guards warning against allowing US bombers to fly from Fairford in July, British ministers briefed critical infrastructure providers about the threat posed by Russia, with growing concern over potential sabotage operations and cyberattacks. Russia has denied mounting hybrid attacks on Western nations.