On Sunday, September 27, the Gloucestershire police in the UK announced a “major incident” near RAF Fairford in the southwest of England. Several men suspected of violating the Explosives Act were arrested, and residents in the nearby Whelford area were urgently evacuated.
The Gloucestershire police stated that the British Army’s specialized explosives disposal team is inspecting several vehicles, and cordons have been set up at the scene. The police mentioned that the situation is currently under control, and residents have been relocated to a nearby leisure center for temporary shelter.
The UK government reported that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is briefed on the latest developments of the incident and added that “it is not appropriate to make further comments during the investigation.”
According to Reuters, witnesses reported that the airbase recently installed barriers, and armed police officers were stationed near the main entrance. Around 30 police cars, ambulances, and fire engines were seen near Fairford. The police have not clarified if today’s arrests are related to the base itself.
A spokesperson for the US Air Force mentioned that the US has noted recent related reports but declined to provide specifics on troop protection measures. The spokesperson stated, “The 501st Combat Support Wing and our other units stationed in the UK will remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of US military personnel, civilian employees, contractors, and their families.”
RAF Fairford currently hosts US Air Force personnel. In July of this year, the UK government stated that existing arrangements between the UK and the US allow American forces to use British military bases for regional collective defense operations, including targeting Iranian missile facilities and capabilities allegedly used to attack ships in the Gulf.
In a July report by Reuters, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard threatened that if the UK allows US bombers to take off from British bases, any base used for such attacks could become a target. The UK government subsequently announced that the British armed forces are prepared to respond to any attacks.