// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
What we know about RAF Fairford counter-terror probe
Aerial pictures showed a remote-controlled robot approaching two stationary white vans in a wooded area
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences after a major incident was declared at an airbase in the west of England.
Bomb disposal teams have been examining a number of vehicles near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and dozens of homes in the surrounding area have been evacuated.
RAF Fairford is located in the Cotswolds, about four miles (6.4km) south of the town of Fairford, which sits along the River Coln.
The base shares a long history with the American military, and has recently been used by US warplanes as a staging post for defensive strikes on Iran.
Gloucestershire Police said they received a call about "three suspicious vehicles" travelling towards RAF Fairford at 00:45 BST on Sunday.
Five men were later arrested by its officers near Whelford, a village around two miles (3.2km) south-east of the base.
A bomb disposal team was also deployed to the village to examine a number of vehicles, police said, around which a 400m (1,312ft) cordon is in place.
Aerial pictures showed a remote-controlled robot approaching two stationary white vans in a wooded area, though its use has not been confirmed by police.
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is leading the investigation into the incident. The BBC understands the operation was not intelligence led.