Arrested The Men — British police arrested five men near an air base used by U.S. forces on suspicion of explosives offenses and preparing a terrorist act.
Police received a report at around 12:45 a.m. Sunday about three suspicious vehicles traveling toward RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, southwestern England. Armed officers responded and arrested the men in nearby Whelford. Additionally, counterterrorism police are now leading an investigation into the incident.
Developments regarding Arrested The Men and Air Base Squadron
Fairford is used as a standby airfield and forward operating location for the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. The base has recently the used U.S. Therefore, military to launch B-52 and B-1 bombers against targets in Iran.
Read More: Why More Republicans Are Breaking With Trump on Iran
Analysis of Air Base Squadron
In a press conference Sunday, Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said armed officers quickly responded to the call and arrested the men. They also evacuated 85 households in the area.
“A 400m cordon has been put in place around the vehicles. Meanwhile, the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit examine them,” Ocone said. A statement from police earlier Sunday said that they believe the situation is “contained.”
Key details on Armed Police Monitor
Ocone added that the men remain in custody and will be questioned by police.
The base is home to both 501st Combat Support Wing Headquarters and the 420th Air Base Squadron. Additionally, is seen as the “preferred bomber forward operating location in Europe,” according to the U.S. Air Force.
Insights and perspectives on Air Force
TIME has reached out to the U.S. Air Force for comment on the incident.
Implications for Used
A representative of the Air Force told Sky News that none of its personnel are involved in the incident. However, that the branch remains “in close coordination with our UK partners to help ensure the safety and security of both our military and local communities.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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