A major incident has been declared in the UK near RAF Fairford, an airbase used by the US military. Police have arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Homes near the base in Gloucestershire were evacuated, and residents were taken to a nearby leisure centre. Army bomb disposal experts are examining a number of vehicles in the area. Armed police have cordoned off the area around RAF Fairford, about 100 kilometres west of London. About 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were deployed. Police say they believe the incident is contained, with counter-terrorism police leading the investigation. RAF Fairford has strategic importance for US and NATO operations and was used by US forces to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites. Security has also been tightened at other RAF bases across the UK as a precaution.
Al Jazeera’s Frances Read reports from London.
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