Major Incident Declared at RAF Fairford; Explosives Suspected
Multiple men arrested and nearby homes evacuated amid concerns of a possible car bomb threat at U.S. Air Force base.
A major incident was declared at RAF Fairford, a U.S. Air Force base in Gloucestershire, England, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, following the arrest of several men on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act. Police confirmed that residents in the vicinity of the base were being evacuated to a local leisure center.
The British Army's specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was examining vehicles near the base, amid reports of a potential car bomb threat. Roadblocks and armed police have been present around the base in recent days.
RAF Fairford is home to the U.S. Air Force's 501st Combat Support Wing. The base was previously mentioned by Iran's Revolutionary Guard in July, with the regime warning Britain against allowing American bombers to operate from the facility. However, there is no suggestion that the current incident is linked to Iran.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force stated that the 501st Combat Support Wing and other U.K.-based wings remain vigilant and take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of U.S. service members, civilians, contractors, and their families. The spokesperson added that security measures are continually assessed and modified to protect installations and personnel.
