RAF Fairford: Rubio says ‘foreign actor’ behind suspected plot as some evacuated residents begin to return home - latest updates
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested a 'foreign actor' is involved in a suspected plot at RAF Fairford, a UK base housing US bombers. While five British suspects were arrested on suspicion of terror offences, they have been released on bail, drawing criticism from President Donald Trump.
Why it matters
The incident highlights geopolitical tensions between the US, UK, and Iran, as well as diplomatic friction regarding counter-terrorism investigative strategies.
The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, told Fox News last night that it was clear a “foreign actor” had been involved in the suspected plot at RAF Fairford, a British base that houses American bombers that fly missions against Iran.
“I have to be careful, there are some things I cannot say on the air for a lot of different reasons,” he told Fox News’ Hannity programme.
“Suffice it to say, that what happened, what almost happened, 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, without providing evidence or giving further details.
“We are dealing with elements in the world and in the case of Iran, for example, who have openly threatened to attack American interests globally. We are always going to take that very seriously.”
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