Two Latvian nationals legally living in the United Kingdom were arrested under Section 4 of Britain's National Security Act of 2023 on Thursday after breaching a perimeter fence at RAF Molesworth, a sensitive British military base housing critical U.S. and NATO intelligence operations, reported. 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. The base is also undergoing a $556.5 million expansion centered on the Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex (JIAC), a facility designed to consolidate 20 intelligence facilities and accommodate more than 1,000 personnel, according to reports.
The suspects, ages 32 and 36, were discovered inside the base around 2 a.m. Thursday following an extensive security sweep. 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. IRAN UNDER SCRUTINY AFTER PLOT FOILED NEAR UK BASE USED BY US MILITARY Bomb disposal specialists cleared the vehicle before armed officers discovered a fence breach and located the men inside. Initially detained on suspicion of trespass and criminal damage, both men were rearrested under the National Security Act for entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the United Kingdom.
They remain in custody as counterterrorism detectives execute search warrants at two residential properties in nearby Peterborough. Air Force's 423rd Air Base Group, RAF Molesworth is a nonflying installation dedicated to joint intelligence and command operations. It houses intelligence elements for U.S.
Africa Command and the NATO Intelligence Fusion Centre. During World War II, the airfield was used by the U.S. 15th Bombardment Squadron. In 1973, the airfield was officially deactivated before transitioning into its current role as an intelligence center.
Construction on the JIAC broke ground April 12, 2024, with onsite work beginning that spring. The facility is scheduled for completion in summer 2028. FOILED TERROR PLOT AT BOMBER BASE SIGNALS WIDER THREAT TO US MILITARY INSTALLATIONS: EXPERT A 2024 Defense Department release described the base development as part of the department's overall European Infrastructure Consolidation efforts.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
