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The footage shows the robot firing shots at the vehicle in an attempt to force its way inside.
The operation followed the declaration of a major incident in the Whelford area near RAF Fairford. (Image: Sky News)
A police robot was seen firing at the doors of a van during a live counter-terrorism operation near an RAF base in western England on Sunday.
The footage shows the robot firing shots at the vehicle in an attempt to force its way inside. The dramatic video was shared by Sky News on X.
The operation followed the declaration of a major incident in the Whelford area near RAF Fairford, a military base that hosts US Air Force personnel. So far, five people have been arrested on terrorism-related charges in connection with the matter.
Several Homes Evacuated In UK
Several nearby properties were evacuated, with residents moved to a local leisure centre as authorities carried out searches.
Gloucestershire Police said the evacuations followed the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
“A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident. It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act,” Gloucestershire police said in a statement, Reuters reported.
Bomb Disposal Team Deployed
Police said the situation remained contained and a cordon had been established around the area. Army specialist explosive ordnance disposal teams were also deployed to examine several vehicles.
Reuters, citing an eyewitness, reported that armed police had blocked access to the base’s main gate, while around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in Fairford.
The police operation comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding RAF Fairford, a base used by American forces for limited strikes during the war with Iran. Following the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, the UK government allowed the US military to use the base to strike Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned in July that any base used for such strikes would be considered a legitimate target.
A US Air Force spokesperson said: “The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families.”
“We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families.”
Quick Answers
Ask News18A major incident was declared in the Whelford area near RAF Fairford following the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. During the counter-terrorism operation, a police robot was filmed firing at the doors of a van to force entry.
Ask News18About the Author
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers politics and a wide range of hard news, with a keen interest in national and international d…Read More
London, United Kingdom (UK)
September 27, 2026, 9:11 PM IST
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