Rubio points to possible foreign involvement in alleged terror plot near British base used by U.S. forces

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the alleged terror plot near RAF Fairford in England involved what he described as a possible “foreign actor,” adding a new layer of concern to an investigation already focused on a British air base used by U.S. forces. The case has drawn attention because it centers on a site that has been used for American military operations, including strikes against Iran.

British counterterrorism police arrested five men on Sunday, September 27, 2026, on suspicion of terror and explosives offenses near the Gloucestershire base. Authorities said the men were later released on bail while the investigation continued. Police have not publicly said the case has been linked to any specific foreign government, and officials in Britain have described the inquiry as ongoing.

RAF Fairford has long been a strategically sensitive installation because of its use by the U.S. Air Force. Recent reporting said the base was used by American bombers in operations against Iranian missile sites, making the arrests especially significant amid heightened regional tensions. The investigation has also raised questions about whether the suspects were acting alone or on behalf of a wider network.

Questions remain over possible foreign links

Rubio’s comments came as British officials continued to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests and whether any state-backed influence was involved. One line of inquiry reported by police is whether the suspected offenses were committed by “proxies or individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly, working on behalf of a foreign state.” That language has fueled speculation, but investigators have not confirmed a foreign sponsor.

The suspects were identified by British outlets as British nationals from London in their 20s, underscoring that the arrests were made inside the United Kingdom even as the alleged target was a base with U.S. military significance. The investigation has also prompted concern among U.S. officials, with President Donald Trump praising the response by British authorities.

As of Monday, September 28, 2026, police said the investigation was still active. No charges had been announced, and officials had not disclosed details about the alleged explosives, any motive, or whether investigators believed the incident was connected to a broader threat beyond the immediate arrests.