Reuters reported Sunday that police arrested several suspects near a US-operated air base under the Explosives Act. London allowed US strikes from RAF Fairford against Iranian missile positions. Emergency responders gathered nearby as armed officers locked down gates, Reuters noted.
"A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident. It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act," Gloucestershire police noted, referring to the nearby village. "The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles."
Authorization was granted by British authorities allowing US forces to operate out of RAF Fairford for strikes targeting Iranian missile infrastructure involved in maritime attacks across the Strait of Hormuz. Declining to elaborate on specific security protocols, a US Air Force spokesperson addressed the heightened posture.
Following UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's authorization in March, the United States deployed four bombers to RAF Fairford and began leveraging British military installations for targeted defensive operations against Iranian missile sites.
US officials declined to detail security adjustments. "The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families," the spokesperson said.
"We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families."
London signaled in July its readiness following Iranian threats to target the Fairford base for allowing the US bombing flights. Infrastructure providers were also warned about Russian sabotage, Reuters reported.
