US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Hints at Foreign State Involvement in Suspected Terror Plot Targeting RAF Fairford

Armed police maintained roadblocks and security checks around RAF Fairford on Monday following a security incident. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that "the hands of a foreign actor" were involved in the suspected terror plot targeting the UK airbase used by the US military, offering insights into an ongoing investigation that has drawn scrutiny from US President Donald Trump.

Speaking on Fox News, Marco Rubio described the weekend event as a very serious threat and warned that more updates are forthcoming. Five men, identified as British nationals aged between 23 and 25 from the London area, were arrested early Sunday near the base at Fairford in western England, where US B-1 bombers have flown missions against Iran. However, the suspects were released on bail on Monday.

The release drew criticism from Donald Trump, who questioned the decision during remarks in the Oval Office and suggested a potential connection to Iran. Iran has strongly denied any involvement in the incident, with its embassy in London issuing a statement condemning what it termed unfounded speculations.

British counter-terrorism police confirmed that the investigation remains active and the released suspects will face strict movement conditions. Senior counter-terrorism police officer Laurence Taylor noted that authorities are examining all possibilities, including potential proxies or individuals operating on behalf of a foreign state. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a COBRA emergency committee meeting, and interior minister Shabana Mahmood declared the scene safe as evacuated residents were permitted to return to their homes near RAF Fairford.