UK police evacuate homes near US air base as five men face suspected explosives and terrorism offences.
LONDON: UK police evacuated homes near a US-used air base in Gloucestershire after several men were arrested on suspicion of explosives-related offences, prompting a major security operation in the area.
The incident occurred near RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force facility that has been used by US military forces. Gloucestershire Police declared a major incident and established a security cordon around the affected area after officers responded to reports involving suspicious vehicles.
Residents of several properties in Whelford, a village close to RAF Fairford, were evacuated as specialist teams assessed the situation. Police said residents were taken to a nearby leisure centre while emergency services dealt with the incident.
The UK police evacuation near the US air base came after several men were arrested under the Explosives Act. The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was deployed to examine a number of vehicles connected with the investigation.
According to later reports, five men were arrested. Counter-terrorism officers subsequently became involved in the investigation, with the suspects also being detained on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Authorities have continued examining materials and vehicles as part of the investigation.
Police initially stressed that the incident was contained and that they were working with partner agencies under established emergency procedures. Armed officers were deployed in the area, while roads were closed and a cordon was maintained around the location.
The operation involved a significant emergency response, including police officers, bomb-disposal specialists and other emergency personnel. Authorities were taking precautions because of concerns surrounding potentially hazardous materials.
RAF Fairford has attracted increased attention because of its use by the United States Air Force. The base has been used by American military aircraft during operations connected to the conflict involving Iran. Reports said US forces have operated from the facility, including the deployment of heavy bombers.
The proximity of the arrests to the military facility has raised questions about whether the suspects were targeting the air base. However, authorities have been investigating the circumstances and motive, and early police statements did not establish that the arrests were directly linked to RAF Fairford.
The incident began after police received a report concerning three suspicious vehicles that appeared to be travelling toward the airbase. Armed officers responded and arrested five men in the Whelford area, according to counter-terrorism police reporting.
The Army’s explosive ordnance disposal specialists then examined the vehicles as investigators worked to determine the nature of the materials involved. The investigation remained ongoing, and officials had not publicly established a final motive.
For local residents, the operation resulted in temporary disruption and evacuation. Gloucestershire Police said it understood the disruption caused by the emergency response and was working to allow residents to return to their properties as soon as it was considered safe.
The UK police evacuation near US air base highlights the heightened security measures surrounding military facilities and comes amid wider concerns about potential threats to sites connected to international military operations.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, while counter-terrorism officers and specialist teams assess the evidence recovered during the operation. Any further details about the suspects, the materials found and a possible motive are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
