British police arrest men and evacuate homes near military base used by American forces

Arrests And Evacuation

British police arrested several men on suspicion of explosives offences in southwest England on Sunday, September 27, 2026, declaring a major incident near an air base used by the United States. Army bomb disposal experts examined several vehicles, and residents in the nearby Whelford area and Fairford village were evacuated from their homes to a leisure centre. Armed police blocked the main gate of RAF Fairford, where U.S. Air Force personnel are hosted, and positioned equipment in front of access points. Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire engines, stationed themselves in the area, though police stated they believed the incident was now contained.

Base Context And Threats

The security action follows recent tensions involving the military facility. The British government previously 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. In July, Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned that any base used in such strikes would be a legitimate target and warned the U.K. not to allow U.S. bombers to fly from Fairford. Following that warning, Britain stated its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force declined to discuss specific force protection measures, noting that the 501st Combat Support Wing remains vigilant to ensure the safety and security of service members, civilians, contractors, and their families.