British police arrested five men early Sunday on suspicion of explosives-related offenses near RAF Fairford, a U.S. Air Force base in Gloucestershire, England, prompting a major incident declaration and the evacuation of about 85 households, authorities said.
The arrests came after police received a call at approximately 12:45 a.m. local time Sunday about three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the base, according to Gloucestershire police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone. Armed officers responded and detained the men in the nearby village of Whelford, where a 400-meter cordon was established around the vehicles.
“The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles,” Gloucestershire Constabulary said in a statement. “The local residents are being evacuated to a nearby leisure center.”
“A cordon is currently in place, but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained,” the force added.
The men were taken into custody and remain there, Ocone said. Live camera feeds from news helicopters documented activity by military EOD robots inspecting vehicles, and a Temporary Flight Restriction was imposed over Whelford, applying to all aircraft, including any small balloon, any kite, any UAS and any parachute.
RAF Fairford is a major hub for U.S. military aircraft, with strategic assets like B-1B Lancer bombers being forward deployed to the base and tactical and other assets often using it as a pit stop during flights across the pond. Bomber strikes launched from Fairford were a central aspect of major U.S. combat operations against Iran earlier this year.
It is still unconfirmed, though very likely, that Fairford went to FPCON Delta, the highest level possible, while other bases like Lakenheath went to FPCON Charlie. Other U.S. bases in the UK, including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, also stepped up security, with an air ambulance denied transit through Mildenhall’s airspace on Saturday.
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson declined to discuss specific force protection measures, saying, “For operational security reasons we will 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 U.S. service members, civilians, contractors, and their families.”
No connection has been established between the incident and any particular group, but the base has drawn threats from Iran in the past. In July, the semi-official Tasnim News Agency quoted officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying, “Any base that is used to invade Iran’s territory is our legitimate goal.”
The investigation is ongoing, and police said they are “working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”
Sources: The Aviationist · The War Zone