Violation of explosives law
British police probably prevent attack – several arrests
Updated on September 27, 2026 – 2:45 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
British police may have prevented an attack last night. Four men were arrested and the alert level rose at a military base.
Five men are near the British military airfield after a major operation RAF Fairford in southwest England was arrested. As the Gloucestershire police announced on Sunday, they are suspected of violating the British Explosives Act. A so-called “major incident” was declared in the town of Whelford.
Some houses were evacuated as a precaution. According to authorities, the residents were taken to a nearby leisure center. The police also set up a restricted zone. British Army explosive ordnance disposal specialists examined several vehicles. The authorities did not initially say what exactly the investigators suspected was inside or whether explosives were actually found.
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The police said in the morning that they assumed the situation was under control. Emergency services worked together with other authorities according to existing emergency plans. According to reports from journalists, armed police also secured access roads in the area. Reuters reported around 30 emergency vehicles, including police, fire and ambulance vehicles.
Possible connection to nearby air force base
Whelford is immediately adjacent to RAF Fairford. Although the military airfield is operated by the British Royal Air Force, it plays an important role for the US Air Force. According to the US Air Force, the headquarters of the 501st Combat Support Wing is located there. The USA also describe Fairford as their preferred European forward base for strategic bombers.
However, it is not yet known whether the police operation is related to the base. Police have not confirmed such a connection. She also initially did not provide any information about a possible motive for those arrested. The US Air Force did not want to comment on specific protective measures on the site. your in Great Britain The units stationed there are vigilant and will take the necessary measures to protect soldiers, civilian employees and their families, a spokesman said.
