Evacuations Near RAF Base After Men Arrested With Suspected Explosives
Residents evacuated near RAF Fairford after men arrested with suspected explosives. Investigation ongoing.
2 min read
Residents near RAF Fairford in western England were evacuated Sunday after several men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses. Gloucestershire police confirmed that homes in Whelford were evacuated and residents taken to a nearby leisure center, with the situation described as ‘contained.’
Investigation Underway
Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the incident, which involved the detention of multiple men under the Explosives Act. Army bomb-disposal experts are examining several vehicles, though police have not confirmed the arrests are directly linked to the base.
Whelford is located near RAF Fairford, a U.S. military base used for limited strikes during the war with Iran. The U.K. government permitted American forces to use the base to target Iranian missile sites following the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran on February 28.
Officials Reassure Public
A cordon remains in place around the area, but officials have assured residents that the situation is under control. Britain’s Defense Secretary Wes Streeting thanked emergency and specialist teams for their response to the incident, stating, ‘We can be reassured that this is being dealt with.’
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is receiving updates on the situation, according to his office. A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force stated that personnel at RAF Fairford ‘remain vigilant’ but declined to comment on specific force protection measures for security reasons.
Security Measures in Place
The spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. military continuously assesses various factors to determine the measures needed to protect installations, personnel, and their families. While no details were provided regarding the specifics of the incident, the presence of bomb-disposal units and the evacuation of nearby homes underscores the gravity of the situation.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to ensure public safety and maintain operational readiness at the base, which has played a key role in military operations in the region.
Source: Breitbart
