HIBAPRESS
Sky News reported, citing British police, that several men were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of committing offenses under the Explosives Act.
This comes as the army is examining a number of vehicles, following tightened security measures at a British airbase used by US forces in southwest England.
The British government granted the United States permission to use RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base, to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
An armed police force closed the road leading to the main gate of the base, according to a Reuters witness. Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks, were stationed in the village of Fairford near the base.
Gloucestershire Police said in a statement: "A number of properties in the Wilford area are currently being evacuated following the declaration of a major incident. This follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of committing offenses under the Explosives Act."
They added: "The army's specialized unit for dealing with ammunition and explosives is currently examining a number of vehicles."
A spokesman for the US Air Force said that specific measures related to force protection would not be discussed.
He explained: "Our 501st Combat Support Wing and other US wings based in the UK remain vigilant and will take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of American service members, civilians, contractors, and their families."
He continued: "We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine the measures we implement or modify to protect our facilities, personnel, and their families."
Britain said in July that its armed forces were ready to defend the country from any attack, after Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned against allowing American bombers to take off from Fairford base.
British ministers briefed operators of critical infrastructure on the threat posed by Russia, as the government's concern grows over the potential for sabotage and cyberattacks.
Russia denies launching "hybrid" or multi-faceted attacks on Western countries.
