From Fox News · Emma Bussey · · 1m 30s
Latvian nationals breach UK base housing US NATO intel
Two Latvian nationals legally in UK arrested after breaching RAF Molesworth perimeter fence.
In brief
Two Latvian nationals legally in UK arrested after breaching RAF Molesworth perimeter fence. Two Latvian nationals legally living in the UK were arrested under Section 4 of Britain's National Security Act for allegedly breaching RAF Molesworth's perimeter fence. Originally reported by Fox News.
Arrests at RAF Molesworth
Two Latvian nationals legally living in the UK were arrested under Section 4 of Britain's National Security Act of 2023 Thursday after allegedly breaching a perimeter fence at RAF Molesworth.
Security breach at base
The arrests triggered a major counterterrorism investigation into the security breach at the strategic installation, which serves as a central intelligence hub supporting american military commanders across europe and africa.
Base expansion underway
The base is also undergoing a $556.5 million expansion centered on the Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex (JIAC), a location designed to consolidate 20 intelligence facilities and accommodate more than 1,000 personnel.
Suspects discovered
The suspects, ages 32 and 36, were discovered inside the base around 2 a.m. Thursday after an extensive security sweep.
How breach occurred
Ministry of Defense Police officers conducting routine patrols first raised the alarm around 10 p.m. Wednesday after finding an abandoned vehicle near the perimeter.
Base security details
RAF Molesworth is a nonflying installation dedicated to joint intelligence and command operations, housing intelligence elements for us european command, us africa command and the nato intelligence fusion centre.
What happens next
British counterterrorism officials cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about possible espionage or terrorist motives, stating investigations are ongoing.
The bottom line
Two Latvian nationals legally living in the UK were arrested under Section 4 of Britain's National Security Act for allegedly breaching RAF Molesworth's perimeter fence.
