FAIRFORD, UK – JULY 25: A Royal Air Force Fairford B1 bomber on July 25, 2026 in Fairford, England. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
Matthew Horwood | Getty Images News | Getty Images
British police said on Sunday that several men had been arrested on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and the military was searching a number of vehicles as security was stepped up at a Royal Air Force base used by the US Air Force in southwest England.
The British government has given the United States permission to use the Fairford Air Force to attack Iranian missile bases that are attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
A Reuters witness said armed police were blocking access to the base’s main gate. Approximately 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire trucks, were deployed to the village of Fairford near the base.
“A number of properties in the Welford area are currently evacuated following the declaration of a major incident. This follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act,” Gloucestershire Police said in a statement, referring to the village near the air force base.
“The Army’s explosive ordnance disposal specialist team is currently investigating a number of vehicles.”
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson said he would not discuss specific force protection measures.
“The 501st Combat Support Wing and its UK-based wing remain vigilant and will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of U.S. service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” the spokesperson said.
“We constantly evaluate a variety of factors to determine what actions or changes to take to protect our facilities, employees, and their families.”
Britain announced in July that its military was ready to defend the country from any attack after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned against allowing US bombers to fly from Fairford.
British ministers have also briefed critical infrastructure providers about the Russian threat, with the government increasingly concerned about potential sabotage and cyberattacks. Russia denies launching a hybrid attack against Western countries.
