Arrests in UK on suspicion of explosives violations near airbase

Several men were arrested on the morning of Sunday September 27 in Gloucestershire, in the west of England, on suspicion of breaches of explosives legislation, reports Sky News, citing local police. A “major incident” was declared in the area of ​​Whelford, a village neighboring the RAF Fairford military air base, used by the US Air Force.

The British Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal unit is currently examining several vehicles. Several homes were evacuated and their occupants taken to a nearby leisure center, Gloucestershire Police said.

“We believe this incident is contained”

A security perimeter remains in place, but the police say they consider the situation to be contained. “We would like to reassure the population that we believe this incident is contained,” she said in a statement shared by Sky News. The police specify that they work “closely” with their partners and implement intervention systems already prepared and regularly tested.

The police have not yet given any details on the exact number of men arrested, their identity or the nature of the acts with which they are accused. Nor did it indicate what the deminers were looking for in the vehicles examined or whether explosives had actually been discovered.

A Reuters journalist on site noted that armed police were blocking the main entrance to the base. Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire trucks, were stationed in the village of Fairford. Security measures around the base had already been significantly increased in recent days.

A base used for American operations

The British government has authorized the United States to use RAF Fairford to carry out strikes against Iranian missile sites involved, according to London, in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, reports Reuters.

Asked about the security system currently deployed, the US Air Force refused to detail the precise measures. A spokesperson, however, assured that the 501st Combat Support Wing and other American units based in the United Kingdom remained “vigilant” and would take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of soldiers, civilians, contractors and their families. He added that facility protection measures are constantly reassessed based on different factors.

In July, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned London against the use of Fairford by American bombers. No link has been established at this stage between this threat and Sunday's arrests. Reuters also recalls that the British government recently alerted critical infrastructure operators to the risks of sabotage and cyberattacks attributed to Russia. Moscow denies carrying out hybrid attacks against Western countries.