LONDON — British police arrested several men on suspicion of explosives offences on Sunday near an air base which the United States Air Force had been using to facilitate strikes on Iran.
\n\nA major incident was declared, with a large emergency services presence seen in the area around RAF Fairford, close to the village of Whelford in west England.
\n\n“A number of properties are currently being evacuated,” the Gloucestershire Police force said in a statement, following the arrest of “several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.”
\n\n“The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles,” the police statement added.
\n\nPolice said they believed the incident to be “contained.”
\n\nThe Reuters news agency had reported that security measures at the air base have been significantly increased in recent days. A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force told the agency they would not discuss specific force protection measures.
\n\n“The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” the spokesperson said, ahead of the police statement.
\n\n“We constantly assess a variety…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business