Five individuals have been arrested this Sunday in an "antiterrorist" operation linked to a "serious incident" recorded near the British Royal Air Force base of Fairford, where U.S. troops operate. The detainees are charged with alleged offenses under the Explosives Act.
In a statement, Gloucestershire Police indicated that "several properties are being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a serious incident" and that "this is taking place after the arrest of several men for alleged offenses under the Explosives Act," without providing further information for now.
The security forces were alerted shortly after midnight by the presence of "three suspicious vehicles" heading towards the Fairford base. The Army's explosive ordnance disposal units are inspecting the three vehicles, while a security perimeter of 400 meters has been established and the evacuation of 85 homes has been ordered.
"We continue to work with Gloucestershire Police to keep the community safe while we work to gather evidence at the scene," said police spokesperson Vicki Evans, quoted by the British public broadcaster BBC. According to initial investigations, the suspects were preparing a "terrorist attack."
In the area is the Fairford airbase, recently used for the deployment of U.S. bombers in the context of the conflict in the Middle East triggered by the surprise offensive launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel against Iran.
The base has declared a "major incident" and has implemented additional measures, including strengthening access controls and perimeter security.
These aircraft operate from Fairford after then British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized in March "defensive" actions by the United States from facilities located in the United Kingdom, a decision harshly criticized by Tehran, which accuses London of directly aligning with Washington in the conflict.
In light of what happened, a spokesperson for the 501st Combat Support Squadron of the U.S. Air Force, based in Fairford, has highlighted in statements to Europa Press the "rapid response" and "continued support" of the British authorities.
"The safety and protection of our Air Force personnel, their families, and the surrounding communities remain our top priority," he stated, before emphasizing that there are no U.S. military personnel "involved in the incident."
"We maintain close coordination with our partners in the United Kingdom to help ensure the safety and protection of both our military personnel and the local communities," the spokesperson concluded.
Response from the British Government
On the other hand, a spokesperson for the British Government has indicated to the BBC that Prime Minister Andy Burham is being promptly informed of all aspects related to the case.
"We thank the emergency services who have acted quickly to detain several suspects and take measures to ensure the safety of the community," he stated, also emphasizing that "it would be inappropriate to make further comments while investigations are ongoing."
In the same vein, Defense Minister Wes Streeting has insisted that the public "can be assured." "The situation is being addressed, and that is exactly why our emergency response teams and the Armed Forces are always alert," he highlighted.
"I would like to thank all the emergency teams and specialists who have acted so quickly in response to the incident in Gloucestershire," he added in a brief message shared on social media.
The RAF base in Fairford has been the scene in recent months of several protests over its use by the United States in its offensive against Iran, after Tehran warned in July that any military facility involved would be considered a legitimate target for attacks.