RAF Fairford draws protests over UK allowing strikes on Iranian missile sites
Several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after a major incident was declared at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Sunday. Homes in the surrounding area were evacuated and the army inspected vehicles at the airbase, which is used by US forces.
In a statement, Gloucestershire police said “a number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident.” The statement continued: “It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”
A police spokesperson said the situation was contained and told local people they need not be alarmed. Armed police were seen blocking access to the main gate of the base on Sunday morning. Police cars, ambulances and fire engines were visible in the nearby village of Fairford, and evacuated residents were being taken to a local leisure centre.
The incident comes as the base has been at the centre of protests in recent months over the British government’s decision to allow the US to use it to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In July, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards told Britain not to allow US bombers to fly from the base, according to the Guardian. A UK government spokesperson said at the time: “Our armed forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.”
A spokesperson for the US Air Force declined to discuss specific force protection measures. “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,” the spokesperson said. “We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families.”