A major security operation is under way near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, prompting evacuations and the deployment of Army bomb-disposal specialists.
Police have released significant new details about the major security operation near RAF Fairford, saying five men were arrested after armed officers responded to reports involving three suspicious vans.
During a police press conference on Sunday, an officer said the initial call was received at approximately 12:45 a.m. Armed police were deployed and five men were arrested as the operation developed.
Police also said approximately 85 homes were evacuated as a precaution while specialist teams investigated the scene. Army explosive-ordnance disposal personnel have been involved in examining vehicles in the area.
The operation remains centred around Whelford and the RAF Fairford area. Police have described the situation as contained while the investigation continues.
Police urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances or motive. Authorities have not publicly confirmed that RAF Fairford was an intended target, announced a terrorism motive or established a connection between those arrested and Iran or any foreign organisation.
đš WATCH: The police press conference on the major incident near RAF Fairford
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) September 27, 2026
– Armed police responded after receiving a call at 12:45am relating to three suspicious vans
– Five men were arrested
– 85 homes evacuated
– Plea to not speculate pic.twitter.com/oAAbEpNv5t
The incident is centred on Whelford, immediately beside the strategically important airbase used by the United States Air Force. Police have declared a major incident and say the situation is believed to be contained while specialists examine several vehicles.
đš BREAKING: Gloucestershire Police have declared a major incident at RAF Fairford and evacuated nearby homes after several men were arrested on suspicion of Explosives Act offences.
â The Mercian (@TheMercianNews) September 27, 2026
âą The base has been used by the US to conduct operations against Iran.
⹠Officers say a⊠pic.twitter.com/j7AcodCcEt
Explosives Act arrests trigger major response
Gloucestershire Constabulary said several men had been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Their identities, ages and nationalities have not been publicly disclosed.
An Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team has been deployed and is examining a number of vehicles. Police have not said what has been discovered inside them or confirmed that a completed explosive device has been recovered.
Local reporting indicates that police activity began during the early hours of Sunday, September 27. A police helicopter was reported over the area, while footage carried by local media appeared to show several men being detained at gunpoint.
Homes evacuated around Whelford
A number of properties have been evacuated as a precaution while investigators work inside the cordon. Residents affected by the operation have been directed to a nearby leisure centre.
Armed officers, emergency vehicles and specialist teams have been reported around Whelford, including near Horcott Road and surrounding streets. Police have asked people to respect restrictions around the scene.
Gloucestershire Constabulary has sought to reassure the community, saying it believes the incident is contained. Residents can follow Gloucestershire Constabulary for official updates.
Security at RAF Fairford was already heightened
The location has drawn particular attention because security at RAF Fairford had already been significantly increased before Sunday’s arrests.
Reuters reported roadblocks around the installation, armed police restricting access and emergency vehicles nearby. The US Air Force acknowledged reports about increased security but declined to discuss specific force-protection measures for operational reasons.
A US Air Force spokesperson said UK-based units remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and their families.
Online claims that Fairford was placed at the highest US military force-protection level have not been publicly confirmed by the US Air Force.
South Haven East Jordan Plastics Fire Triggers Power Outage
Greece Beach Sunbed Fight: 82-Year-Old Dies as Arrests Follow
Fairford’s strategic role adds to scrutiny
RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station extensively used by the US Air Force and capable of supporting long-range bomber deployments. A US B-1B Lancer was photographed at Fairford on Sunday as heightened security remained visible around the installation.
The base has also supported US military operations connected with the Middle East conflict. Swikblog previously reported on the cancellation of the 2026 Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, highlighting the installation’s operational importance.
No confirmation RAF Fairford was targeted
Despite the arrests occurring close to the base, authorities have not publicly said RAF Fairford was an intended target. Police have also not announced a terrorism motive or identified any connection to a foreign government or organisation.
That distinction is particularly important amid online speculation about Iran. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards previously warned Britain over allowing US bombers to operate from Fairford, while Britain said its armed forces were prepared to defend the country.
There is currently no verified evidence linking Sunday’s suspects to Iran or the Revolutionary Guards.
Investigation leaves major questions unanswered
Police have yet to reveal the exact number of suspects, what prompted the arrests, whether explosive material was recovered or what investigators believe the men intended to do. Authorities have also not publicly confirmed whether counter-terrorism officers are involved.
The precautionary response resembles other operations where specialists must first establish whether suspicious objects present a danger. Swikblog recently covered a bomb-squad response to a suspicious suitcase near the United Nations.
For now, the confirmed developments are significant on their own: several men have been arrested under explosives legislation, homes have been evacuated and Army specialists are examining vehicles beside one of Britain’s most strategically important military airfields.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
