FAIRFORD: British police arrested several men on Sunday over suspected explosives offences and evacuated homes near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where US Air Force personnel are based.
Gloucestershire Police declared a major incident in nearby Whelford. An Army explosive ordnance disposal team examined several vehicles as authorities moved residents from affected properties to a leisure centre.
Police said a cordon remained in place but added that officers believed they had contained the incident. They have not publicly linked the arrests to RAF Fairford.
In July, the IRGC threatened to attack RAF Fairford and made veiled threats against the “British monarchy regime”.
The threat came two days after Andy Burnham agreed to continue Sir Keir Starmer’s policy of allowing Washington to launch strikes on Iran from British bases.
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A Reuters witness saw armed officers blocking access to the base’s main gate. About 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, stood nearby.
Britain previously authorised US forces to use RAF Fairford for limited operations against Iranian missile facilities. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
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Later warned that bases used for such strikes could become targets. Authorities have not linked that warning to Sunday’s arrests.
British police arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and evacuated homes near RAF Fairford while Army specialists examined several vehicles.
