Explosives probe triggers arrests near UK base used by US Air Force

Gloucestershire Police in Britain arrested several people Sunday morning on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act, after security was stepped up at RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base used by the U.S. Air Force.

Arrest and charges

Sky News cited Gloucestershire Police as saying that a British Army bomb disposal team was examining several vehicles in the area and that local residents had been evacuated.

RAF Fairford is home to the headquarters of the U.S. Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and the 420th Air Base Squadron.

The British government gave authorization to the US to use RAF Fairford to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Security at RAF Fairford has been significantly tightened in recent days, with roadblocks and armed police preventing access to the base and emergency vehicles stationed nearby.

A U.S. Air Force spokesperson told Reuters that officials were aware of the current reports but would not discuss specific force protection measures at the base.

“We remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of U.S. military personnel, civilians, contractors and their families,” the spokesperson said.

Case background

According to the unit’s website, the base serves as the “preferred forward operating location for bombers in Europe” for U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command.