UK Police Arrest Several Men After Security Alert at US-Used Air Base

Reuters

B‑1B Lancer bomber is parked at the RAF Fairford airbase.

British police said on Sunday they had arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, while the army was examining a number of vehicles after security was heightened at a British air base used by US forces in south-west England.

The arrests followed a security incident at RAF Fairford, where additional security measures were put in place, according to police.

The British government has authorised the United States to use RAF Fairford to conduct strikes against Iranian missile sites involved in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The army was inspecting several vehicles as part of the security operation, while police continued their investigation.

"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," Gloucestershire police said in a statement, referring to a village near the air base.

"The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles."
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A spokesperson for the ‌US ⁠Air Force said they would not discuss specific force protection measures.

"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."

Britain said in July its armed forces were ready to protect the country from ⁠any attack after Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a warning not to allow US bombers to fly from Fairford.

Source: Reuters



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