The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, described the threat recorded over the weekend near the British airbase RAF Fairford as “very serious”, a facility used by U.S. forces. The official stated that the incident “clearly” involved a foreign actor, although he avoided revealing their identity.
Rubio also highlighted the cooperation of British authorities and anticipated that there will be new information about the case in the coming days. His statements came after five men were arrested near the military facility and subsequently released under strict bail conditions.
Rubio: “It’s a very serious situation”
In an interview with Fox News, Rubio maintained that what happened in the vicinity of RAF Fairford represents a serious situation for both the United States and the United Kingdom. “What occurred, what almost occurred, what could have occurred in the UK over the weekend is a very serious situation,” he stated.
The Secretary of State added that the episode “clearly” involves a foreign actor, although he emphasized that he could not yet provide further details on who might be behind the operation.
The British Anti-Terrorism Police are investigating five men, all British citizens residing in London and in their twenties, for alleged offenses related to explosives and the preparation of a terrorist act.
Five detainees released on bail
The suspects were arrested after authorities received reports about three white vans considered suspicious in the vicinity of RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire.
The vehicles were inspected with the support of military personnel and forensic specialists. Additionally, during the early hours of Sunday, about 85 homes in a nearby locality were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
The head of the British anti-terrorism unit, Laurence Taylor, clarified that the release of the five detainees does not mean that the investigation has concluded. Investigators are considering various hypotheses, including the possibility that those involved acted as intermediaries or on behalf of a foreign state, knowingly or unknowingly.
British media later reported that the materials found in the vans did not constitute viable explosives. However, authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the exact nature of the threat.
