Major alarm at Fairford air base in southwest England

Police have raised a major alarm at Fairford air force base in southwest England. Several men were arrested. They are said to have violated the Explosives Act. The police are examining several vehicles in the area around the military base. According to media reports, numerous emergency services are on site, including experts in explosive ordnance disposal from the armed forces. Residents near the air base in Gloucestershire were forced to leave their homes.

An eyewitness told the Reuters news agency that armed police blocked access to the base's main gate. Around 30 emergency vehicles from the police, fire brigade and rescue services are stationed nearby.

US long-range bombers also take off from Fairford

Fairford is not only used by the British Royal Air Force, but also by the US Air Force. It was only in March that the US armed forces moved long-range bombers to Fairford. The Ministry of Defense in London had confirmed that the USA used British bases for “specific defense operations” in the Iran war.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Britain in July not to allow US bombers to leave Fairford. A spokesman for the US Air Force said they would not comment on specific protective measures. However, they are vigilant and will take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of US personnel.

Police did not confirm that there was a connection between the arrests and the air base.