<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/united-kingdom/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">British</a> police declared a major incident on Sunday near the Royal Air Force base RAF Fairford, which is used by the United States for military operations against <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/iran/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Iran</a>. Five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act involving three vans.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">RAF Fairford is a significant base for the U.S., hosting heavy bombers that were utilized during the combat phase of operations against Iran. 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>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Authorities are considering a possible connection to Iranian threats, as Tehran has previously stated that any base used to attack its territory is a legitimate target.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident,” Gloucestershire police stated. “This follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://x.com/FaytuksNetwork/status/2104171406871392499?s=20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pictures posted online</a> showed several men handcuffed and sitting on the ground. Police confirmed that five individuals were arrested on explosives charges.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">British Prime Minister Andy Burnham commented on the ongoing investigation and expressed gratitude towards the authorities involved.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I know today’s incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country. My thanks go to Gloucestershire Police, Counter Terrorism Policing, our Armed Forces and all those working to keep the public safe,” Burnham stated. “The safety and security of the public is our first priority, and I want people to know that we will always take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep our country safe.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">President Donald Trump praised the arrests, stating that British police did an “amazing job.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great,” Trump said. “We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A U.S. Air Force spokesperson indicated that personnel at RAF Fairford remain vigilant but would not comment on specifics for operational security reasons.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Aerial footage from Sky News showed a bomb disposal robot near the three vans. Local resident Julian Tudsbery reported that the police response was initiated by a tip from a resident who noticed the suspicious vans.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting assured the public that the situation is being managed, with updates being provided to Prime Minister Burnham.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I would like to thank all those emergency and specialist teams who have acted so swiftly regarding the incident in Gloucestershire,” Streeting said in a post on X. “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 class="wp-block-paragraph">The air base was active following the arrests, with helicopters and military vehicles patrolling the area. Roads and entrances to the base were sealed off.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously threatened the U.K. after it authorized U.S. use of its bases for strikes. These threats were reiterated in July, stating that any base used to invade Iranian territory is a legitimate target.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">NATO forces have been on high alert due to threats from Russian and Iranian hybrid warfare, and the Gloucestershire incident is noted as one of the most severe so far.</p>