RAF Fairford explosives probe begins after suspects held near US-linked base

Several men were arrested near RAF Fairford as counter-terror police took charge of an explosives investigation. The incident triggered evacuations and a bomb squad response, sharpening focus on security around the US-used base.

In Short

• Residents from Whelford were moved to a nearby leisure centre for safety
• Army explosive ordnance experts are examining several vehicles inside the police cordon
• Emergency services swiftly detained suspects as authorities said the risk was contained

Britain's counter-terror police are leading an investigation after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act near RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base used by US forces. Gloucestershire Constabulary declared a major incident as the British Army's bomb squad was sent in and residents were evacuated.

A UK government spokesperson said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was receiving updates on the incident at the base, which hosts a large number of US Air Force personnel and operations. The spokesperson said emergency services had acted quickly to detain suspects and protect the community.

The incident unfolded in Whelford in south-west England, near RAF Fairford. Gloucestershire police said, "The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles." The force added, "The local residents are being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre. A cordon is currently in place, but we'd like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained."

According to government officials, counter-terror police are leading the investigation. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting praised the specialist teams for acting swiftly, saying the Armed Forces are on standby around the clock. A government spokesperson said, "We are grateful to the emergency services, who have acted quickly to detain several suspects and put measures in place to keep the community safe. It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing."

RAF Fairford has been used to launch US operations against Iran during the ongoing war in West Asia. After the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, the UK government allowed the American military to use the Fairford base to strike Iranian missile sites. A spokesperson for the US Air Force declined to discuss specific force protection measures, but said that 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 added, "We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families."

The incident comes after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in July threatened to attack RAF Fairford and made veiled threats against the "British monarchy regime". For now, several suspects have been detained, specialist teams are examining vehicles, and authorities say the situation has been contained as the investigation continues.

With PTI Inputs

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