UK Police Declare Major Incident at RAF Fairford After Explosives Act Arrests British police declared a major incident at RAF Fairford after several men were arrested on suspicion of Explosives Act offences, with evacuations in nearby Whelford. British police have arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and declared a major incident at RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by US air forces in southwest England, Gloucestershire police said on Sunday. A number of properties are being evacuated in the nearby Whelford area, and the army is examining a number of vehicles, according to police. An eyewitness said armed police were blocking access to the base's main gate. Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in the village of Fairford near the base.The incident follows a period of heightened security at RAF Fairford, which has been used by US air forces and was authorised by the British government for US strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.Security Heightened at RAF FairfordBritain said in July its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack after Iran's Revolutionary Guard issued a warning not to allow US bombers to fly from Fairford. The base has been a focal point of increased security measures in recent months.A spokesperson for the 501st Combat Support Wing said the unit and its fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of US service members, civilians, contractors and their families.The spokesperson added that they constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures they institute or modify to protect their installations, their people and their families.Evacuations and Emergency Response in WhelfordGloucestershire police said a number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident. It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, police said in a statement.The army is examining a number of vehicles as part of the ongoing investigation. Emergency services remain at the scene, with around 30 vehicles stationed in the village of Fairford near the base.Armed police were seen blocking access to the base's main gate, according to an eyewitness. The situation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released further details about the arrested men or the nature of the suspected offences.Background to the IncidentThe British government gave authorisation to the US to use RAF Fairford to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This has made the base a potential target for retaliation.British ministers have also briefed providers of critical infrastructure on the threat posed by Russia, with the government increasingly concerned about possible sabotage operations and cyberattacks. Russia denies alleged hybrid attacks on Western nations.The major incident declaration at RAF Fairford comes amid a broader context of heightened tensions and security concerns in the region. Police have not yet provided further information about the arrested individuals or the specific circumstances leading to their arrest.