What happened
A potential attack on the US Air Force Base at Fairford, England, allegedly involved a foreign actor, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The incident led to the arrest and subsequent release of a group of suspects found acting suspiciously near the facility.
The suspects, reportedly wearing balaclavas, were taken into custody on Sunday on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses. However, they were released on bail less than 48 hours later without being charged with terrorism offenses. British police stated that no viable explosives were found, and detectives believed it unlikely that the suspects were on the brink of a mass casualty attack.
Secretary of State Rubio praised British authorities for their cooperation and handling of the situation, but expressed concern over the decision to release the suspects. The US administration has insisted that a foreign plot was involved, with Rubio indicating that more information would be released in the coming days.
Security at the airbase has been increased, with local roads being locked down and military vehicles being used to block perimeter gates and patrol the runway ramps.
