Rubio Statement Raises Alert
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated this Monday, 28, that the alleged attack plan against RAF Fairford air base in western England “clearly involved the action of a foreign agent”. Without revealing details, he classified the case as serious and praised British cooperation, promising more information soon.
Police Operation Surprises Residents
On Sunday, five British nationals aged 23 to 25, all residents of London, were arrested after three suspicious vans were intercepted near the village of Whelford. Armed agents found materials with characteristics of improvised explosives. About 85 houses were evacuated and a 400-meter radius was cordoned off while bomb squad robots operated.
Strategic Base and American Interests
RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, has served for decades as a support point for US Armed Forces operations and was recently used in actions against Iran. British counter-terrorism police are investigating whether Tehran is behind the plan, although hypotheses involving Russia or Islamic extremism are also being considered.
Reactions from London and Tehran
British Defense Minister Wes Streeting told the BBC that Iran and its allies seek to harm the United Kingdom. The Iranian embassy in London vehemently rejected the allegations, calling them Iranophobic propaganda.
Trump's Position
President Donald Trump stated that he “knows everything” about the suspects and that news will emerge soon, reinforcing that the goal was to cause “great damage” to the facility.