A suspicious incident over the weekend near Royal Air Force Fairford, a base used by the U.S. military in England, has brought the possibility of foreign interference into focus alongside security cooperation between Washington and London.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident involved a foreign actor. In a televised statement, Rubio described the situation as "a very serious situation" and said more information about the foreign interference could emerge in the coming days. He also said he could not share some details for various reasons.
Five suspects released on bail
British counterterrorism police detained five people on Sunday near the base in Gloucestershire. The suspects, who were from London and identified as British nationals in their early 20s, were apprehended after a farmer reported seeing three white vans heading toward the base.
Police are investigating whether the five people were acting on behalf of a foreign state. All of the suspects were released on bail while the investigation continues.
Fairford base used in U.S. operations
Royal Air Force Fairford is used by the U.S. military. The base has also hosted American bombers taking part in operations in the region.
Rubio praised the cooperation of British authorities with the United States during the investigation. He said U.S. officials were in contact with British authorities over the detentions and the suspects' release on bail.
Rubio highlights Iran-linked threats
Rubio assessed the suspicious incident in the context of threats to U.S. interests abroad. Citing Iran as an example, Rubio said Iran-linked elements had threatened to attack American interests around the world and that the United States takes these threats seriously.
