According to Reuters on the 29th, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated that 'foreign forces were involved' in an incident that occurred near an airbase in the UK, which is used by the U.S. military to target Iran. Previously, five men were arrested near the base for suspected violations of explosives-related laws and terrorism charges.
British police announced a “major incident” near RAF Fairford in western England early on Sunday after making arrests. The British government subsequently held a national emergency meeting.
However, the police allowed these five people to be released on bail on Monday, but stated that the investigation is not yet complete. They are currently investigating whether there are any individuals involved who have been instructed by foreign governments.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Reuters reported that no usable explosives were found in the three large white van trucks that the five men appeared to be driving.
The source also said that the police’s actions on Sunday were not driven directly by intelligence information. This means that the five individuals were not under direct surveillance prior to the incident. However, the security forces at Fairford Base have been strengthened, indicating that authorities had information about the base potentially becoming a target for attacks.
Rubio said in an interview with Fox News’ Hannity on Monday evening: “What happened over the weekend in the UK, what almost happened, and what could have happened, is a very serious situation. It's clear that there was foreign intervention involved. I won’t disclose too many details at this point.”
Rubio did not provide any evidence, nor did he explain the specific circumstances.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a White House interview on Monday that the incident “may” be related to Iran. The United States has been in war with Iran since late February this year.
Trump also said that if he were to make the decision, he would not allow these suspects to be released on bail.
"I will not do this." He said.
The five people arrested are all British citizens, aged around 20, and from London.
On Sunday early morning, a local farmer noticed three white van vehicles parked near the Royal Air Force Fairford base and reported it to the police. Subsequently, these five people were arrested by the police.
Local residents said that the security measures at the base had significantly increased in the days leading up to the events on Sunday.
The farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters that on Saturday night, one of her neighbors was asked by American security personnel to stop while driving past the base, and was required to stick their hands out of the car.
The farmer said that when she returned home around 1 a.m. local time, she noticed three large van trucks parked on the road. One of the trucks had a fake phone number on it, and a group of men wearing hoodies and masks were running away. Therefore, she called the police.
As of Tuesday morning, a large security line remained around the base, and roadblocks were set up along the roads. However, local media reported that residents who had evacuated from nearby homes had begun returning to their homes.
In recent years, governments in Western countries have been warning that hostile actors from Iran, Russia, and other countries may organize destabilizing activities or employ agents to carry out related actions.
In April this year, following a series of anti-Semitic incidents in northern London, the UK raised the national terror threat level to the second-highest level, which is "Severe". This means that officials believe the likelihood of a terrorist attack is "high".
The UK has also imposed sanctions on some individuals and entities considered to be associated with Iran, accusing them of participating in hostile activities, including planning attacks, and providing financial services to groups that attempt to undermine stability in the UK and other countries.
The Iranian side has always denied involvement in attacks or related conspiracies that occurred in the UK and other countries.
On Monday, Iran also denied any involvement in this incident that occurred in Fairford.
