LONDON, United Kingdom — Two Latvian nationals have been released on bail after British counter-terrorism police arrested them inside a Royal Air Force base housing American and NATO intelligence operations.
The men, aged 32 and 36, were detained at RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after security officers discovered damage to the military installation’s perimeter fence.
Both suspects, who live in Britain, were initially arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and trespassing at a restricted military installation.
They were subsequently arrested under the National Security Act 2023 on suspicion of entering a prohibited site for purposes considered harmful to the United Kingdom.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the following day that both men had been released on bail under strict conditions while the investigation continued.
The arrests came amid heightened concerns about security at British military installations used by American forces, following a separate suspected plot involving RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Police said there was no evidence linking the two incidents.
Security Patrol Discovers Breach at RAF Molesworth
The investigation began at approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday when Ministry of Defence Police officers discovered an abandoned vehicle near the perimeter of RAF Molesworth.
Officers from Cambridgeshire Constabulary joined the search, which led to the discovery of an opening in the security fence.
The two men were subsequently found inside the installation and arrested at approximately 2 a.m.
Bomb disposal specialists examined the abandoned vehicle but found nothing of concern, according to Reuters.
Investigators also searched two properties in the Peterborough area and recovered the vehicle for further examination.
The authorities have not disclosed the men’s identities or established why they entered the base.
RAF Molesworth, approximately 100 kilometres north of London, is operated by the United States Air Force and houses American and NATO intelligence facilities.
The installation accommodates the NATO Intelligence Fusion Centre and the US Joint Intelligence Operations Center, Europe.
It also hosts intelligence personnel associated with US military operations in Africa.
Unlike conventional airbases, RAF Molesworth is not used for flying operations.
Police Investigate Motive Behind Intrusion
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised entry.
A central question, she said, was whether the suspects had entered the facility in connection with criminal activity.
Flanagan confirmed that specialist officers were working with the Ministry of Defence Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary.
In a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police, she acknowledged public concerns about security at military installations but cautioned against linking the arrests to another investigation involving RAF Fairford.
The authorities have not announced terrorism charges against either suspect.
The decision to release the men on bail does not end the investigation.
Separate Investigation Into Possible Foreign-State Plot
The RAF Molesworth arrests followed a security operation near RAF Fairford, another British military installation used by American forces.
On September 27, British counter-terrorism officers arrested five men after receiving reports of suspicious vehicles near the Gloucestershire base.
Two additional suspects were subsequently detained, bringing the number arrested in that investigation to seven.
Police are examining whether the suspected activities were connected to a foreign government or individuals acting on its behalf.
British officials have raised concerns about possible Iranian involvement, allegations Iran has denied.
The United States military subsequently withdrew B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford following warnings about a potential threat linked to Iran.
The base had previously supported American military operations against Iran.
In an official update, Counter Terrorism Policing said investigators were pursuing several lines of enquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspicious activity.
The inquiry remains open.
British police have stressed that no evidence has emerged connecting the RAF Molesworth breach to the suspected activities near RAF Fairford.
Iliana MagraMark Landler
British and American Authorities Review Security
The British government said it was maintaining heightened vigilance around military installations.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said British authorities were working closely with police to protect sensitive defence facilities.
The US Air Force also acknowledged the assistance provided by British law enforcement agencies following the RAF Molesworth arrests.
An American military spokesperson said both countries were coordinating security measures to protect personnel and surrounding communities.
The Associated Press reported that the two Latvian nationals remained subject to bail conditions while investigators examined their activities.
No charges had been announced against either man.
