WorldPosted at: Sep 27 2026 6:37PM


UK counter-terror police probe explosives arrests near Fairford Air Base used by US forces

London, Sep 27 (UNI) UK counter-terrorism police launched an investigation after several individuals were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences near Royal Air Force Fairford in Gloucestershire, a base used by US forces.
Several properties in the Whelford area were evacuated after authorities declared a "major incident", Gloucestershire Police said in a statement.
"The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles," police said in a statement.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is being kept informed about the incident, a government spokesperson said.
"We are grateful to the emergency services, who have acted quickly to detain several suspects and put measures in place to keep the community safe," the spokesperson said, adding that it would be inappropriate to comment further while the investigation was underway.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said emergency response teams and the Armed Forces were on standby around the clock.
"This is being dealt with, and it is exactly why our emergency response teams and Armed Forces are on standby 24/7," he said.
Aerial footage showed a bomb disposal robot moving between three white vans in nearby woodland. The rear doors of two of the vehicles were open, with large black objects visible around them.
Whelford is located close to RAF Fairford, which has been used by US B-1 bombers involved in strikes against Iran and serves as a forward operating location for the US Global Strike Command.
A US Air Force spokesperson at Fairford, where the 501st Combat Support Wing is based, said the military would not discuss specific security measures for operational reasons, CNN reported.
The spokesperson said the unit "remains vigilant" and would take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of US service members, civilians, contractors and their families.
The UK government had in March granted the US Air Force permission to use Fairford for strikes on Iranian missile sites that were targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Months later, the British government said its armed forces were prepared to protect the country against any attack after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned over the use of UK bases by US bombers.
"Our Armed Forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it's on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself," a government spokesperson said.
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