Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revealed that a foreign actor was involved in the suspected terror plot targeting a US bomber base in the United Kingdom, calling the incident a “very serious threat” and warning that additional information will emerge in the coming days.
Five men were arrested Sunday near RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by the US military for strategic bomber operations. British counterterrorism authorities are investigating whether the suspects were acting on behalf of a foreign state. However, they have already been released on bail.
“What could have happened in the UK over the weekend is a very serious situation. It’s one that clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor,” Rubio said during an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.”
Rubio did not identify the foreign actor, but specifically invoked Iran as he discussed governments and other elements threatening American interests around the world.
“And in the case of Iran, for example, who have openly threatened to attack American interests globally, we're going to always take that very seriously," Rubio said, adding, "There will be repercussions for that if it ever were to happen or even attempted."
He went on to say that "what happened this weekend could have been and was, I think, a very serious threat.”
Rubio’s remarks came as British counterterrorism officials confirmed that investigators are examining a possible foreign-state connection. Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said Monday that authorities were investigating “every possible angle,” including whether those involved were knowingly or unknowingly acting on behalf of a foreign state.
British authorities have not publicly identified which foreign government, if any, they believe may be connected to the alleged plot. Iran has denied involvement.
The investigation began after a local farmer encountered suspicious activity near RAF Fairford early Sunday morning and contacted police. Authorities said they received a report at approximately 12:45 am involving three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the base. Armed officers responded and arrested five men in the Whelford area initially on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act. They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of Britain's Terrorism Act.
The five suspects are British nationals between the ages of 23 and 25 and are residents of London.
Authorities established a roughly 400-meter security cordon around the vehicles while military and forensic specialists examined the scene, forcing approximately 85 nearby households to evacuate.
All five suspects were released Monday under what British counterterrorism officials described as stringent bail conditions restricting their movements and contacts. Officials emphasized that their release does not mean the investigation has concluded.
RAF Fairford has taken on heightened strategic importance amid tensions with Iran. The installation is used by American forces and serves as a key European operating location for US bomber deployments.
Following the arrests, the US Embassy in London warned Americans in Britain to “exercise caution” and remain alert to their personal security, noting the potential for threats against US-associated facilities and organizations.
Rubio thanked British authorities for their response and cooperation but indicated that the public has not yet been told the full story behind the suspected plot. “There's a lot more news that will come out on this in the days to come, but there's only so much I can say right now at this point about it, other than this is a very serious thing. And it was, it was responded to appropriately," he said.
Five men were arrested Sunday near RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by the US military for strategic bomber operations. British counterterrorism authorities are investigating whether the suspects were acting on behalf of a foreign state. However, they have already been released on bail.
“What could have happened in the UK over the weekend is a very serious situation. It’s one that clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor,” Rubio said during an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.”
Rubio did not identify the foreign actor, but specifically invoked Iran as he discussed governments and other elements threatening American interests around the world.
“And in the case of Iran, for example, who have openly threatened to attack American interests globally, we're going to always take that very seriously," Rubio said, adding, "There will be repercussions for that if it ever were to happen or even attempted."
He went on to say that "what happened this weekend could have been and was, I think, a very serious threat.”
Rubio’s remarks came as British counterterrorism officials confirmed that investigators are examining a possible foreign-state connection. Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said Monday that authorities were investigating “every possible angle,” including whether those involved were knowingly or unknowingly acting on behalf of a foreign state.
British authorities have not publicly identified which foreign government, if any, they believe may be connected to the alleged plot. Iran has denied involvement.
The investigation began after a local farmer encountered suspicious activity near RAF Fairford early Sunday morning and contacted police. Authorities said they received a report at approximately 12:45 am involving three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the base. Armed officers responded and arrested five men in the Whelford area initially on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act. They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of Britain's Terrorism Act.
The five suspects are British nationals between the ages of 23 and 25 and are residents of London.
Authorities established a roughly 400-meter security cordon around the vehicles while military and forensic specialists examined the scene, forcing approximately 85 nearby households to evacuate.
All five suspects were released Monday under what British counterterrorism officials described as stringent bail conditions restricting their movements and contacts. Officials emphasized that their release does not mean the investigation has concluded.
RAF Fairford has taken on heightened strategic importance amid tensions with Iran. The installation is used by American forces and serves as a key European operating location for US bomber deployments.
Following the arrests, the US Embassy in London warned Americans in Britain to “exercise caution” and remain alert to their personal security, noting the potential for threats against US-associated facilities and organizations.
Rubio thanked British authorities for their response and cooperation but indicated that the public has not yet been told the full story behind the suspected plot. “There's a lot more news that will come out on this in the days to come, but there's only so much I can say right now at this point about it, other than this is a very serious thing. And it was, it was responded to appropriately," he said.
