Police in Gloucestershire, southwestern England, have arrested several individuals on suspicion of crimes related to explosives near a village close to RAF Fairford, utilized by U.S. forces. Authorities declared a major incident and conducted evacuations in the Whelford area, with bomb disposal teams examining several vehicles.
A cordon has been set up, and the situation is reported to be contained, according to the police. Some residents have been evacuated as a precaution.
RAF Fairford, located near Whelford, has been used by the U.S. military for limited strikes during the conflict with Iran. Following the onset of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in late February, the British government permitted American forces to utilize Fairford for targeted strikes on Iranian missile sites. However, police have not confirmed any links between the arrests and the military base.
Security protocols at RAF Fairford have intensified recently, an eyewitness informed Reuters. Increased roadblocks and armed police have been cited as new measures preventing access to the vicinity.
This report is part of ongoing coverage on the developments. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.