What happened
Two foreign nationals from Latvia, aged 32 and 36, were arrested under the National Security Act 2023 after breaching a fence at RAF Molesworth, a British military base that houses key US and NATO intelligence operations.
The incident occurred on Thursday, prompting a major counterterrorism investigation. The base is currently undergoing a $556.5 million expansion to consolidate intelligence facilities and accommodate over 1,000 personnel.
The suspects were discovered inside the base after an extensive security sweep, following the discovery of an abandoned vehicle near the perimeter. They were initially detained on suspicion of trespass and criminal damage, but were later arrested under the National Security Act for allegedly entering a prohibited place.
The men remain in custody as counterterrorism detectives execute search warrants at two residential properties in nearby Peterborough. The US European Command has praised the swift British response, stating that US forces remain at the highest state of readiness.
British counterterrorism officials have cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about possible espionage or terrorist motives, and are keeping an open mind as inquiries continue.
