Men arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses near U.S. air base in Britain in major incident

LONDON — British police evacuated homes and arrested several men on suspicion of explosives offenses on Sunday near an air base which the United States Air Force had been using to facilitate strikes on Iran.

A major incident was declared, with a massive emergency service presence seen around RAF Fairford, which is about 90 minutes outside London, close to the village of Whelford in west England.

“A number of properties are currently being evacuated,” the Gloucestershire Police force said in a statement, following the arrest of “several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.” It did not provide further details on the men detained or what they were suspected to have done.

“The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles,” the statement continued, adding that the incident was “contained.” Police did not confirm any link between the incident and the base.

The Reuters news agency had reported that security measures at the air ‌base have been significantly increased in recent ‌days. A spokesperson for the U.S. ‌Air Force told the agency they would not discuss specific force protection measures.

“The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow ⁠UK-based Wings remain vigilant and…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/world