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UK counter-terror police investigate after several arrested near base used by US forces
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- UK counter-terrorism police are investigating after several men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses near the Whelford area in Gloucestershire, close to the US-operated RAF Fairford air base.
- The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team is examining multiple vehicles, and several properties were evacuated following the declaration of a major incident.
- RAF Fairford is a strategic US base used by B-1 bombers targeting Iran and is part of the US Global Strike Command’s forward operating locations.
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Defense Secretary Wes Streeting are being kept informed, emphasizing the swift action of emergency services and the readiness of UK Armed Forces to respond to threats.
- The incident occurs amid heightened tensions following UK permission for US strikes on Iranian missile sites and warnings from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards regarding US bomber operations from UK bases.
