Police in the UK evacuated homes Sunday near an air base in England that is used by American military forces. The location is close to RAF Fairford which has been used for limited strikes during the war with Iran. The UK government allowed American troops to use this base after the US-Israeli conflict began on February 28.
About 85 households were evacuated near RAF Fairford as bomb-disposal specialists examined three suspicious vehicles.
Five men were arrested in connection with suspected explosives offenses under the Explosives Act according to Gloucestershire Police. They were later arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.
Police received a call at about 12:45 a.m. Sunday about three suspicious vehicles traveling toward RAF Fairford. Armed officers responded and arrested the five men in the Whelford area. Army bomb-disposal specialists began inspecting the vehicles.
About 85 households were told to evacuate as a precaution.
Police have not said that the suspects were connected to Iran. Authorities said the investigation was still in its early stages and the five men remained in custody.
The US Air Force confirmed its personnel at RAF Fairford remain alert but declined to discuss specific security steps. A spokesperson for the US Air Force said that it constantly assesses a variety of factors to determine protective actions.
Security at RAF Fairford has been increased in recent days according to an eyewitness cited by Reuters.
The US military has used RAF Fairford as a staging point for long-range bombers during the war with Iran. The UK authorized the US to use British bases for defensive operations against Iranian missile sites.
The situation remains under investigation as authorities continue to assess the threat.
IMAGE: Public domain This image or file is a work of a U.S. Air Force CC0