Men arrested and an air base in England turned into a 'major incident' after suspected explosives cases

British police said on Sunday (September 27, 2026) that they had arrested several men on suspicion of involvement in crimes related to explosives, adding that bomb disposal experts from the army were examining a number of vehicles in a “major incident” near an air base used by the United States in southwest England.

The police added that residents of the surrounding areas were evacuated from their homes, and several people were detained on suspicion of committing crimes in accordance with the Explosives Law, and military bomb disposal experts were examining several vehicles. Police did not confirm whether the arrests were linked to Al Qaeda. The police said, "There is currently a security cordon, but we would like to reassure citizens that we believe this incident has been contained."

The British government granted the United States permission to use the British Royal Air Force's Fairford base to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned in July that any base used in such strikes would be a legitimate target. A Reuters witness said that the police blocked access to the main gate of the base, and equipment was placed in front of the entry points, and residents of a nearby village were also evacuated to a recreational center. About 30 emergency vehicles, including police, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in the village of Fairford near the base.

Gloucestershire Police said in a statement: “A number of properties in the Welford area are currently being evacuated after a ‘major incident’ was declared. This follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act.” She added, "The army team specialized in dealing with ammunition and explosives is currently examining a number of vehicles." Police said they believe the matter is now under control.

A US Air Force spokesman declined to discuss specific procedures to protect forces. "The 501st Combat Support Wing and our other wings based in the United Kingdom remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of American service members, civilians, contractors and their families," he said.

He continued, "We constantly evaluate a variety of factors that determine the measures we implement or modify to protect our facilities, individuals, and their families." Britain said in July that its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned Britain of the consequences of allowing American bombers to take off from the Fairford base.