<p>British police declared a major incident near the Royal Air Force base RAF Fairford, which is used by the United States for operations against Iran, following the arrest of several men and the deployment of bomb disposal units to the scene.</p>
<p>RAF Fairford, authorized by the UK for US defensive strikes against Iran, hosts US heavy bombers that were utilized during the combat phase of the war. The arrests took place near the village of Whelford, approximately 2 miles from the base, prompting Gloucestershire police to evacuate local residents to a nearby leisure center.</p>
<figure><img alt="RAF Fairford" height="668" src="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AP26270356408001.jpg?w=696" width="1024" /><figcaption>Police stand at a roadblock on the road to RAF Fairford after an incident in Whelford, England, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Gloucestershire police stated, "A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident. It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act."</p>
<p>Images shared online reportedly show at least four men handcuffed and seated on the ground.</p>
<p>A spokesperson for the US Air Force indicated that personnel at RAF Fairford remain vigilant but would not provide specific details due to operational security concerns. The spokesperson stated, "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."</p>
<p>Aerial footage from Sky News depicted a bomb disposal robot operating near three vans. Local resident Julian Tudsbery informed the Associated Press that the police response was initiated by a tip regarding three suspicious vans reported early on Sunday.</p>
<p>British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting reassured the public that the situation is being managed, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham's office confirming he is receiving updates. Streeting expressed gratitude to the emergency teams for their prompt response, stating, "We can be reassured that this is being dealt with, and it is exactly why our emergency response teams and Armed Forces are on standby 24/7."</p>
<p>The air base was active following the arrests, with videos showing helicopters and military vehicles patrolling the area. Roads and entrances to the base were sealed off.</p>
<p>Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously threatened the UK after it allowed the US to use its bases for strikes, reiterating these threats in July, stating, "Any base used to invade Iranian territory is our legitimate target." NATO forces have been on high alert due to threats from Russian and Iranian hybrid warfare, with the Gloucestershire incident being one of the most serious to date.</p>