The UK Counter-Terrorism Police have taken over the investigation following a security alert at the RAF Fairford airbase, in Gloucestershire, south-west England.

According to British media reports, Muslims have been arrested on suspicion of offences related to explosives, while security measures at the base have been significantly increased.

Among other measures, roadblocks have been set up, armed police officers deployed and emergency service vehicles, including ambulances and fire engines, mobilised.

The same scene is unfolding in the area around the base. Police have cordoned off the area and evacuated homes. Residents were taken to a nearby leisure center, while a specialist British Army bomb disposal unit is examining vehicles one by one.

Officially, the US Air Force is not providing details about the level of alert, while British authorities have not yet confirmed whether the arrests are connected to the military base. However, Gloucestershire Police are describing the incident as a “major incident”.

The strategic significance of Fairford

RAF Fairford is one of the most important facilities used by US air forces in Britain. The British government has allowed the United States to use the base for operations against Iranian missile installations that threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The base is home to US B-1B Lancer strategic bombers.

As British analysts point out, the case takes on particular significance because of threats issued by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in July, when they warned Britain not to allow US bombers to operate from Fairford.