UK: Arrests and evacuations over suspected explosives near Fairford air base

Al-Wasat Iraqi newspaper - Follow-up

British police announced on Sunday the arrest of five men and the evacuation of residents from 85 homes after a report of three suspicious vehicles heading toward Fairford air base, which is used by the United States to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard O'Connor said the report came at around 12:45 after midnight (2:45 a.m. Baghdad time), and that armed officers responded and detained the men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, confirming they remain in custody.

He added that police imposed a 400-metre security cordon around the vehicles while the army's explosive ordnance disposal unit examined them, stating the measure was taken as a precaution.

Gloucestershire Police had declared the situation a "major incident" and moved residents to a nearby leisure centre. It said it believed the incident was under control, while investigations and security measures continue.

According to information, counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation. The issued statements did not confirm finding explosives or establish any link between the detainees and Iran.

A Reuters witness said police prevented access to the base's main gate, while about 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were deployed in the surrounding area.

The British government said that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is receiving updates on the incident, without providing further details as investigations continue.

Fairford is in Gloucestershire, in southwest England, and is an advanced site for operating US bombers in Europe. The base provides support to host deployed forces and aircraft and to conduct air operations, according to official US forces sources.

Its role in the conflict with Iran became prominent after the British government allowed the United States to use it to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.