UK authorities declared a "major incident" on Sunday in the Whelford area, near which there is a British Air Force base with a deployment of US troops, including the detention of several people on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act.
Gloucestershire Police stated in a press release that "several properties are being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident."
"This follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act," it emphasized, without further details for now.
Thus, it noted that bomb disposal experts "are examining several vehicles" and added that residents have been moved to a nearby area while this work is being carried out.
"The area has been cordoned off, but we want to convey to the public that we believe the incident is contained," it concluded.
The Fairford air base is located in the area, recently used for the deployment of US bombers following the surprise offensive launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel against Iran.
The base hosts these bombers after the then British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, gave permission in March for "defensive" actions by the United States using facilities in the UK, a step harshly criticized by Tehran, which has accused London...
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WorldUK authorities declared a "serious incident" this Sunday in the Whelford area, on the outskirts of which there is a British Air Force base with a deployment of United States troops, including the detention of several people for alleged offenses under the Explosives Act. Gloucestershire Police stated in a communiqué that "several properties are being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a serious incident." "This takes place after the arrest of several men for alleged offenses under the Explosives Act," it emphasized, without further details for now. It also noted that bomb disposal experts "are examining several vehicles" and added that residents have been moved to a nearby area while these operations are carried out. "The area is cordoned off, but we want to convey to the population that we believe the incident is contained," it concluded. The Fairford air base is located in the area, recently used for the deployment of US bombers following the surprise offensive launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel against Iran. The base is hosting these bombers after the then British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, gave permission in March for "defensive" actions by the United States using facilities in the UK, a step harshly criticized by Tehran, which has accused London of becoming directly involved in the conflict on Washington's side. More on:WorldUnited KingdomAir baseUnited StatesIsraelIran