Two Latvian nationals arrested at UK airbase housing US and NATO intelligence operations

On October 8, 2026, British counterterrorism police arrested two U.K.-resident Latvian nationals inside RAF Molesworth, a site housing U.S. and NATO intelligence operations. The breach involved an abandoned vehicle and a hole in the perimeter fence, leading to charges under the National Security Act 2023. While authorities keep an open mind, the arrest follows heightened alerts over potential Iranian and Russian hybrid threats, including a recent incident that prompted the U.S. to withdraw bombers from RAF Fairford.

Arrests and investigation at RAF Molesworth

• ▪The two Latvian men arrested at RAF Molesworth were initially arrested for trespass and criminal damage, before counterterrorism police re-arrested them under the National Security Act 2023 for entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the U.K.
• ▪Ministry of Defence Police initiated a security alert after discovering an abandoned vehicle near RAF Molesworth around 10 p.m. on October 7, 2026, and finding a small hole in the perimeter fence
• ▪British authorities arrested two Latvian men, aged 32 and 36, at around 2 a.m. on October 8, 2026, after they breached the perimeter fence at RAF Molesworth
• ▪Counter Terrorism Policing London chief Cmdr Helen Flanagan stated that investigators are maintaining an open mind regarding the two Latvian men's motives, with no current evidence linking the RAF Molesworth breach to events at RAF Fairford
• ▪Bomb disposal officers examined an abandoned vehicle found near RAF Molesworth and determined that it contained nothing of concern

RAF Molesworth background

• ▪RAF Molesworth was founded in 1917 and was used by U.S. bombers during World War II
• ▪RAF Molesworth is a non-flying facility operated by the U.S. Air Force that hosts the NATO Intelligence Fusion Centre and intelligence personnel for U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command

Security incidents and withdrawals at RAF Fairford

• ▪Seven men were arrested and released on bail following a September 27, 2026 incident involving three suspicious vans near RAF Fairford, an airbase used by U.S. bombers for missions against Iran
• ▪The U.S. Air Force withdrew all B-1 bombers deployed at RAF Fairford in early October 2026, following security concerns and potential Iran-linked threats cited by U.S. officials and U.S. President Donald Trump

Threats and security measures regarding UK military sites

• ▪U.K. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated on October 8, 2026, that the government remains highly vigilant regarding potential threats to military installations, maintaining multilayered physical, surveillance, and counter-drone protections
• ▪Defense and intelligence officials warned that the United Kingdom faces heightened risks of hybrid attacks by individuals operating on behalf of foreign powers such as Russia and Iran

Debatable claims

• ▪Hosting US intelligence operations on British soil creates unacceptable security risks for the UK
• ▪Current perimeter defenses at UK airbases are inadequate against hybrid security threats
• ▪Foreign state-backed hybrid warfare poses the primary security threat to UK military installations
• ▪Upgrading base trespass charges to national security offenses before establishing foreign ties is justified