SEVERAL MEN ARRESTED NEAR UK AIR BASE IN MAJOR EXPLOSIVES INCIDENT

Sun 27 September 2026:

Residents evacuated as bomb disposal experts examine vehicles near RAF Fairford, a base used by US forces for operations against Iran

British police have arrested several men on suspicion of explosives-related offences after declaring a “major incident” near RAF Fairford in southwest England, an air base used by the US military.

Authorities evacuated residents from properties in the nearby village of Whelford while the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team examined a number of vehicles.

Gloucestershire Police said:

“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,”

The force added:

“The ⁠Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles.”

Police said the situation was believed to be contained, while residents were moved to a nearby leisure centre. A cordon was established around the area as armed officers and specialist emergency teams responded.

Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were reported in the nearby town of Fairford. Armed police also blocked access to the main entrance of RAF Fairford.

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RAF Fairford has been used in Iran operations

The incident comes amid heightened security around RAF Fairford, which hosts US Air Force personnel and has been used for American military operations against Iranian missile sites targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The British government authorised the US to use the base for those operations. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had previously warned that any facility used to support strikes against Iran could be regarded as a legitimate target.

The increased security around the base has included roadblocks and restrictions on access.

“The emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents,” Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone told reporters. “A cordon is in place as a precaution and the public can expect to see an emergency services presence in the area for ⁠some time.”

The Daily Mail website carried a photograph of five men without shirts who it said had been arrested.

UK government monitoring incident

The British government said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being kept informed about the situation.

A government statement said:

“The prime minister is being kept updated on the incident in Gloucestershire. 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 added:

“It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing.”

A US Air Force spokesperson declined to provide details about specific security measures but said American personnel remained alert.

“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.”

Security concerns extend beyond RAF Fairford

The arrests come amid wider concerns in Britain about potential threats to military facilities and critical infrastructure.

British authorities have previously warned of the risks posed by hostile-state activity, including potential sabotage and cyberattacks linked to Russia. Moscow has denied allegations that it is conducting hybrid attacks against Western countries.

Police have not said whether the arrests near RAF Fairford are connected to the base or to the ongoing military operations involving US forces. The investigation remains underway.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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