Multiple arrests on suspicion of explosives offenses near U.K. base used by U.S. forces
Police in England have arrested several men on suspicion of explosives offenses near RAF Fairford, a base used by U.S. forces. Counter-terrorism units are investigating the incident, which led to the temporary evacuation of nearby residents.
Why it matters
The incident involves a sensitive military site used for international operations, raising security concerns in the UK.
LONDON — Police evacuated homes Sunday near an air base in England used by the U.S. and arrested several men over suspected explosives offenses.
Gloucestershire police said Sunday that residents of "a number of properties" in Whelford, western England, were taken to a nearby leisure center and that the situation has been "contained."
Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation as is normal in similar situations.
Whelford is near RAF Fairford, a base that American forces have used for strictly limited strikes during the war with Iran. After the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran on Feb. 28, the U.K. government allowed the American military to use the Fairford base to strike Iranian missile sites.
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