A security breach occurred at RAF Molesworth, a UK military base that houses key US and NATO intelligence operations. Two Latvian nationals, aged 32 and 36, were arrested under the National Security Act after allegedly scaling a fence at the base.
What happened
The suspects were discovered inside the base around 2 a.m. after an extensive security sweep. Ministry of Defense Police officers had raised the alarm around 10 p.m. the previous night after finding an abandoned vehicle near the perimeter. Bomb disposal specialists cleared the vehicle before armed officers discovered a fence breach and located the men inside.
The arrests triggered a major counterterrorism investigation into the security breach at the strategic installation. The base is currently undergoing a $556.5 million expansion centered on the Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex (JIAC), which will consolidate 20 intelligence facilities and accommodate over 1,000 personnel.
The suspects remain in custody as counterterrorism detectives execute search warrants at two residential properties in nearby Peterborough. British counterterrorism officials have cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about possible espionage or terrorist motives, and are keeping an open mind as inquiries continue.
US European Command has praised the swift British response to the breach, and expressed gratitude for the close partnership with US forces on matters of security. The incident is being investigated further, with the Pentagon and the CIA being contacted for comment.
