UK Arrests Multiple Men Over Explosives Near Base Used by US Nuclear-Capable Bombers

British police arrested several men over suspected explosives offenses near RAF Fairford, a UK military air base used by US forces and capable of supporting deployments of American nuclear-capable strategic bombers.

According to Reuters on September 27, Gloucestershire Police declared a major incident in the Welford area near the base, while a specialist military explosive ordnance disposal team was deployed to inspect several vehicles.

Police said a number of homes in Welford were evacuated following the arrests. Evacuated residents were taken to a local leisure center while emergency services worked at the scene.

Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire engines, were reported in the area, Reuters said. Armed officers also restricted access to RAF Fairford’s main gates as security around the facility was increased.

The men were detained on suspicion of offenses under Britain’s explosives legislation. Police said the situation was considered contained, while military bomb disposal specialists continued examining vehicles near the base.

The US Air Force declined to disclose specific measures being taken to protect personnel and facilities, citing operational security.

“The 501st Combat Support Wing and other UK-based units remain vigilant and will take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors and their families,” a US Air Force spokesperson said, according to Reuters.

RAF Fairford is operated by the Royal Air Force and serves as a key European location for US bomber deployments. The base has previously hosted US strategic aircraft, including nuclear-capable B-52H Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit bombers.

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Reuters reported that Britain had also authorized the United States to use RAF Fairford for strikes against Iranian missile sites linked to attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Police had not disclosed the identities of those arrested or provided further details about the suspected explosives offenses as of September 27.

Earlier, German investigators found suspected explosives meters from a crashed drone near Wunstorf Air Base, which hosts the Bundeswehr’s A400M transport fleet, and began examining a possible link to the suspected Russian sabotage plot at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

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