UK Police Evacuate Homes Near US-Used Air Base, Detain Men for Suspected Explosives Offenses

Police evacuated homes on Sunday near an air base in England utilized by the US and arrested several men on suspicion of explosives offenses. The Gloucestershire Police force reported that residents of several properties in Whelford, western England, were relocated to a nearby leisure center, stating that the situation is contained. This area is in proximity to RAF Fairford, a base that American forces have used for limited strikes during the conflict with Iran. Following the onset of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28, the UK government permitted the American military to operate from the Fairford base to target Iranian missile sites. Authorities have detained several men under the Explosives Act, and army bomb-disposal experts are currently examining multiple vehicles. Police did not confirm if the arrests are related to the air base. A cordon has been established, but police reassured the public that they believe the incident is contained.