U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a “foreign actor” was involved in an incident near RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by U.S. forces, but he offered no evidence and did not identify a country.
His remarks followed the release on bail of five British men arrested near the base on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and offenses under Britain’s explosives law. The men remain under investigation and are subject to strict bail conditions.
The suspects, ages 23 to 25, were detained early Sunday after a local farmer reported three large white vans and masked people near the airbase in western England. British authorities declared a major incident, evacuated nearby homes and increased security around the installation.
A source familiar with the investigation told Reuters that the vans did not contain viable explosives. British counterterrorism police said they were examining several lines of inquiry, including whether people acting for a foreign state were involved knowingly or unknowingly. Police have not said that theory has been confirmed.
Rubio described the case as a serious situation that “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor,” while declining to provide details. President Donald Trump separately said the incident “might be” connected to Iran, also without presenting evidence.
Iran has denied any involvement. The investigation remains open, and British authorities have not announced a final determination about motive, foreign sponsorship or whether an attack was imminent.
RAF Fairford is used by the U.S. military and has hosted American bombers involved in operations against Iran, making the inquiry significant for both U.S. and British security.
Sources: Reuters; Associated Press; Vesti Baku.