LONDON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a foreign actor was involved in the suspected RAF Fairford incident, although British counter-terrorism police have not established a motive.
Speaking on Fox News on Monday night, Rubio said the case “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor”. He offered no evidence or further details. Police arrested five British men from London near the airbase in Gloucestershire early on Sunday.
Officers initially suspected offences involving explosives and preparation of a terrorist act. Investigators later found no explosive material in the three vans under examination.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, said the men were released on bail on Monday under stringent conditions.
He said investigators were considering every possibility, including whether anyone had acted for a foreign state. Iran’s embassy in London rejected speculation linking the country to the arrests.
Read: UK RAF Fairford Arrests: Several Held Under Explosives Act
President Donald Trump criticised the bail decision and, when asked about an Iranian connection, said it “might be” possible.
About 85 households in nearby Whelford evacuated as a precaution on Sunday. Residents received permission to return on Monday, though a cordon remained around the vans. Some residents have since returned home.
Read: Trump Says Suspects Were Under Surveillance in UK RAF Fairford Arrests
Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell said bail decisions belonged to police and that she trusted their judgement. The investigation continues.
Rubio claimed a foreign actor was involved, while UK police continue to investigate and have not established a motive.
