Five men have been taken into custody by police on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. The arrests happened near RAF Fairford which has been used by American forces for operations against Iran.
Residents in the nearby village of Whelford were told to leave their homes as the investigation continued. About 85 households were advised to evacuate according to Gloucestershire Police. A nearby leisure center was opened for residents who had nowhere else to stay.
Police received a call at about 12:45 a.m. Sunday about three suspicious vehicles traveling toward RAF Fairford.
Armed officers responded and arrested the five men in the Whelford area. Army bomb-disposal specialists were examining the three vehicles while police maintained a 400-meter cordon around them. Authorities said the incident was believed to be contained.
Counter Terrorism Policing later took over the investigation. The five men were also arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. They remained in custody as investigators worked to establish the full circumstances.
The incident occurred amid broader military activity related to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran which began on February 28. RAF Fairford has been used by American bombers for limited strikes against Iranian missile sites according to ABC News.
The evacuation of residents was carried out as a precaution while the vehicles were examined.
RAF Fairford hosts U.S. Air Force personnel and has served as an important location for American bomber operations in Europe. The base has supported B-1 and B-52 bomber operations during the conflict with Iran.
Authorities have not publicly established that Iran was involved in the incident. Investigators are examining a possible connection but police have asked the public not to speculate. More information is expected as the investigation continues.