Police declare major incident at U.K.’s Fairford air base, used by U.S. air forces
British police have declared a major incident at the RAF Fairford air base following the arrest of several men under the Explosives Act. The base, currently used by U.S. forces for operations in the Strait of Hormuz, is under heightened security amid broader concerns regarding sabotage.
Why it matters
The incident highlights rising geopolitical tensions and the vulnerability of critical military infrastructure to potential sabotage or terrorist threats.
British police said on Sunday (September 27, 2026) they had arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and the army was examining a number of vehicles after security was stepped up at a British air base used by U.S. air forces in southwest England.
The British government gave authorisation to the U.S. to use RAF Fairford to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
A Reuters eyewitness said armed police were blocking access to the main gate of the base. Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in the village of Fairford near the base.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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