Date: September 27, 2026
Reporter: Emilly Jordan
Security measures have been significantly increased around a U.S.-used air base in southwest England after British police arrested several men on suspicion of explosives offences and the Army began examining vehicles in the surrounding area.
The incident took place near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, an important U.S. military facility that has been used to support operations against Iranian targets during the conflict in the Middle East. Gloucestershire Police declared a major incident and evacuated residents from nearby properties while specialist bomb disposal personnel examined vehicles.
Armed police were seen blocking access to the main entrance of the base, while machinery had been positioned around access points. A Reuters witness reported that about 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in the nearby village of Fairford.
Police said several men had been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was deployed to examine a number of vehicles as investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident,” Gloucestershire Police said in a statement. The force said the evacuations followed the arrests and the discovery of vehicles requiring examination by bomb disposal specialists.
Police later said they believed the situation was contained. Counter-terrorism officers were reported to be involved in the investigation, although authorities had not publicly established a motive or said that the incident was connected to any particular organisation.
The U.S. Air Force declined to discuss specific force-protection measures at RAF Fairford but said its personnel remained vigilant.
“The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” a U.S. Air Force spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that the U.S. military continually assesses security conditions and adjusts measures intended to protect its installations and personnel.
RAF Fairford has taken on increased importance during the current Middle East conflict. The British government authorised the United States to use the base for strikes against Iranian missile sites that had been attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned in July that military bases used in attacks against Iran could be considered legitimate targets. Britain subsequently said its armed forces were prepared to defend the country against possible attacks after the warning concerning U.S. bomber operations from Fairford.
Security has also reportedly been increased at other U.S.-used military facilities in Britain, including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. British authorities have separately expressed concern about potential sabotage and cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, although there was no indication that those concerns were directly linked to Sunday's incident at Fairford.
The British government said it would be inappropriate to comment on the incident while the investigation remained active.
The arrests and security operation come as RAF Fairford remains an important staging point for U.S. military activity in Europe. Investigators are continuing to examine the vehicles and circumstances surrounding the arrests, while authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the incident was intended to target the air base or whether it was connected to the wider conflict with Iran.