Breaking News: Two Latvian nationals have been arrested following a security breach at RAF Molesworth, a crucial base for US and NATO intelligence operations.
Two Latvian nationals, legally resident in the UK, were arrested on Thursday under the National Security Act after entering RAF Molesworth, a strategically vital military base. The arrests prompted a counterterrorism investigation into the breach of the base, which hosts critical US and NATO intelligence facilities, reported Fox News and Reuters. The suspects, aged 32 and 36, were found inside the perimeter after an alarm was raised following the discovery of an abandoned vehicle nearby.
The base is undergoing a $556.5 million expansion to consolidate 20 intelligence facilities into a new Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex (JIAC), slated for completion in 2028, according to reports. RAF Molesworth serves as a central intelligence hub supporting US European and Africa Commands, as well as the NATO Intelligence Fusion Centre. The individuals were initially held on suspicion of trespass and criminal damage before being rearrested under the 2023 National Security Act, remaining in custody as searches were conducted at two residential properties in Peterborough.
US European Command praised the “swift British response” to the incident, stating US forces “remain at the highest state of readiness.” Counterterrorism Policing London commander Helen Flanagan cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about motives, stating investigators are “keeping an open mind” and have not established a link to recent security concerns at another UK base, RAF Fairford.
The investigation continues, with authorities focusing on establishing the purpose of the breach and any potential wider security implications. Further details are expected following ongoing inquiries.
Sources: Fox News, The Daily Telegraph, Reuters.
