By September 27, 2026 / 5:29 AM EDT / CBS/AP

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Several men have been apprehended on suspicion of involving themselves in explosive-related activities near a village close to a U.S. air base, authorities in southwestern England reported recently.

Gloucestershire police declared a major incident and evacuated numerous properties in the Whelford area following the arrest. The men were detained under suspicions related to offenses under the explosives act, which outlines the regulations in the country concerning explosives.

The police confirmed that a bomb disposal unit was deployed to the area, tasked with inspecting various vehicles. A significant precaution involved establishing a security cordon, although the incident has been contained according to the authorities.

Whelford is situated nearby RAF Fairford, an air base utilized by U.S. forces for specific limited strikes throughout the conflict with Iran. After the onset of the U.S.-Israeli hostilities against Iran on February 28, the U.K. government sanctioned the use of RAF Fairford by American forces to conduct strikes on Iranian missile targets.

Police did not verify whether the arrests were associated directly with the air base.

Security measures have notably intensified in the area surrounding the air base. An eyewitness, as reported by Reuters, remarked about the increased number of roadblocks coupled with armed police restricting access. The heightened security situation underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating recent developments.

This incident is part of an ongoing breaking news scenario, with updates expected as more information becomes available.