Arrests at US Air Force Base in UK After Explosives Violations

Gloucestershire police in Britain arrested multiple suspects on Sunday for violations of the Explosives Act, and security measures at RAF Fairford air base, used by the United States Air Force, have been reinforced.

Sky News reported, citing Gloucestershire police, that a British military bomb disposal team is examining vehicles in the area. Local residents have been evacuated from the vicinity.

RAF Fairford houses the 501st Combat Support Wing headquarters and the 420th Air Base Squadron of the United States. The base serves as "the preferred forward operating location for bombers in Europe for the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command," according to the unit's website.

Security measures at Fairford have been significantly increased in recent days, with roadblocks and armed police deployed in the area to prevent access to the base.

A U.S. Air Force spokesman told Reuters that they are aware of the current reports. "We remain vigilant and will take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of U.S. military personnel, civilians, contractors and their families," the spokesman said.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have previously warned Britain that the base would be "on the crosshairs" if U.S. bombers continue flying from it for strikes on Iran. In July, they threatened that "any base used to launch attacks on Iranian territory is a legitimate target for our forces." The Telegraph reported in July that Iran launched an unprecedented cyber attack against Britain that shut down a power station for four days.